Harry Redknapp seeks late surge to save QPR from the drop

11 February 2013 06:17

Harry Redknapp believes QPR's Premier League survival hopes hinge on them being able to repeat the late-season form that saw him keep Portsmouth in the top-flight seven years ago.

Pompey looked destined for the drop at this stage of the 2005-06 season, but under Redknapp's guidance they strung together a tremendous sequence of results to take 20 points from their last 10 games and retain their top-flight status.

QPR are six points from safety with 12 games left, but Redknapp said: "I am confident we can survive. I know it is going to be hard, and I think it will go to the wire but it is not impossible."

He added: "It is very similar to the situation I had with Portsmouth, it is much the same if you look at the stats.

"I think that was down to the last 10 games that we got out at Pompey with 20-odd points. That is what we need here, it's not impossible."

The Rs have not scored twice in a Premier League game since mid-December, and have scored just 19 in total from 26 games, the lowest tally in the top-flight.

Redknapp admits he is short of striking options, with the hip problem hindering Bobby Zamora a particular concern, while France striker Loic Remy has missed the last two games with a groin strain.

"We have a chance if Remy can come in and score some goals and show what he can do, and we can get Bobby out on the pitch," he said.

"The problem with Bobby is we have to stop him at half-time. If we played straight through he could probably manage 70 minutes, but stopping at half-time he seizes up then he can't move.

"When he plays he's different, he can move, hold the ball up, he is someone we can play up to. Without him we don't have someone who can lead the line."

Source: PA