HARRY REDKNAPP has put Saints' upturn in form down to one simple reason - his lucky tie.

The Saints boss picked up a bulldog tie while on a shopping trip with wife Sandra earlier this year as it reminded them of their two British bulldogs - Rosie and Buster.

Redknapp first wore the tie in the St Mary's win against Liverpool and subsequently in the draw at West Brom, the win at Brentford and on Saturday.

Redknapp admits to being highly superstitious and is even wearing the same suit and shirt to every match now.

He said: "I'm very superstitious. I always have been.

"I've got this tie with bulldogs on and I wore it when we beat Liverpool and then when we beat Brentford. I also wore it at West Brom and then this weekend.

"I was the same at Bournemouth. We had something like 20 games where I'd wear the same things.

"I mean everything - suit, shirt, tie, shoes, socks, pants - the lot.

"I do everything the same way on match days now.

"I've got two bulldogs at home - Rosie and Buster - and me and my missus were out one day and saw the tie and decided to get it.

"I wore it for the Liverpool game and my mate Len, who runs a golf course, said I had to wear it again ... so I did and we've not lost in it yet.

"I might not wear it against Man United next week to protect it!"

Of course, the five transfer window signings might also have had something to do with the upturn in form but much of the credit for Saturday's victory went to keeper Paul Smith.

Redknapp admits he will have to think carefully before deciding whether to recall Antti Niemi if the Finnish international is ready for the FA Cup date with United.

"He made some great saves," said Redknapp of Smith. "We had opportunities as well but he's done marvellous.

"A month ago I didn't know what to expect.

"Antti Niemi got injured and I've got to play a boy who has never played in this league before and I feared the worst.

"When you lose possibly the best goalkeeper in the Premiership, you're in a relegation battle and you've got to throw a kid in, you do worry - but he's come in and been absolutely fantastic.

"It's a dilemma when Niemi is fit again but at least I don't have to rush him back and we can make sure he is fit and his knee's alright before he has to play again."

Redknapp confessed he was nervous in the final stages on Saturday given Saints' ability to concede late goals this season.

"When you think about the positions we were in against Middlesbrough and Everton I did fear the worst as the game went on," said Redknapp.

"I had actually said to someone before the game it's the best feeling in the world when you hang on by the one goal and the referee blows that whistle.

"There has got to be a better feeling out there I'm sure, but I've not found it - I've led a very sheltered life."