Redknapp defends Pards actions

Harry Redknapp has defended Alan Pardew's touchline antics against Arsenal.

West Ham boss Pardew and his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger were involved in a touchline bust-up following The Hammers' late winner at Upton Park.

Wenger refused to shake hands at the conclusion of the match and Redknapp was more disappointed with the Frenchman than he was with Pardew.

"You don't want to see any aggravation on the touchline," he told Sky Sports News.

"I can understand Alan, he's excited, he's been under pressure and you go and score a goal against Arsenal who are a great great side and you're going to get excited so it's all part of the game.

"But at the end of the day you've got to shake hands and move on haven't you?

"We all have disagreements somewhere along the way and I think we've all got to be big enough to shake hands and forget all about it."

Meanwhile, Redknapp has hailed the impact of striker Kanu since his arrival in the summer.

The 30-year-old is The Premiership's top-scorer with seven goals in 11 games and Redknapp is delighted his instincts paid off.

"Kanu has done incredibly," he said.

"Nobody wanted him when he was on a free transfer at West Brom in the summer but he's just the kind of player I like - somebody with a bit of magic."

Kanu, meanwhile, is loving life at Fratton Park and hopes his goals can keep Pompey in the upper reaches of the Premiership table.

"I have come to this club and I'm really enjoying my football again. New challenges are always great and if I can keep getting the goals I will be happy," Kanu added.

"The team can achieve a lot this season. We just have to believe in ourselves.

"If we can finish in the top eight it will be a great achievement and anything is possible in football if you have the belief."

The Nigerian international will return to the starting line-up for the weekend visit of Fulham.

Kanu was left on the bench for the trip to Manchester United and Redknapp has explained his thinking behind the decision.

Redknapp said: "It wasn't a lack of ambition. Many sides have played that way - especially in a tough away fixture at Manchester United where anything you get is a huge bonus.

"I had lost a lot of key players and had to change things but hopefully the injuries will clear up sufficiently to go back to our old style at home."