Portsmouth FC

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Harry hails Benjani hat-trick

20 Jan 2008 - 11:58:02

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Harry Redknapp paid tribute to Benjani Mwaruwari after the striker ended Portsmouth's six-match goal drought at Fratton Park with a hat-trick.

The Zimbabwean scored all three goals for the home side as they defeated bottom club Derby County 3-1 on Saturday.

But his first goal in the 38th minute ended a 578-minute wait for a home goal for the long-suffering Pompey fans.

"When he first came here two seasons ago he couldn't score to save his life but he's getting them now," said Redknapp.

"His strike rate used to be diabolical and that's being kind to him. He had 15 or 16 games after we signed him before he scored against Wigan when Paul Jewell was manager there in the last but one match of the season.

"But he covered all that with hard work and non-stop running. He's a smashing lad and the fans love him.

"Today he scored three different types of goals and you'll struggle to see a better one than the last one.

"He's come up the hard way. He's hard as iron, takes a knock and plays with injuries that most players would not."

Meanwhile, Redknapp also revealed he was persuaded to sign Benjani following a conversation with Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger.

"It was Arsene Wenger who first put me on to him," he added.

"We'd heard Benjani was available in France at Auxerre and I asked Wenger's advice.

"He said I should get on the next flight and go and get him."