We must protect Kanu - Redknapp

20.02.2008

PORTSMOUTH boss, Harry Redknapp admits he needs to wrap Nigerian international, Nwankwo Kanu in cotton wool.

He said: "After the Preston match, I think we've got to work hard this week on the training ground so that everybody understands their role in that system.

"There are a couple of new players coming in and I'm going to have to be careful with Kanu in the league. If I lose him we're going to be short. He might be one I will have to wrap in cotton wool for the next week or two and wait for the Cup.”

"I've got Baros and Defoe to come back for the league games, so I might have to be careful with Kanu - I can't really afford to lose him as well.

"He did well against Preston - he can hold it up for you, he's got a good touch. The problem is getting behind people, we've got no pace, that's the problem.”

"Kanu can hold it up on his own but you need people to run beyond him. You are looking for runners really."