Redknapp said: “Sol is a winner. In five-a-sides or whatever you do, he wants to win.
“You can look at him messing around on the training pitch. He’s like a little kid. He’s enjoying his football.
“I was surprised he was available in the summer. People mentioned it to me and I thought ‘no chance’.
“He was the best player in the Champions League final and I thought there was no way he was going to leave Arsenal.
“I don’t know what his problems were at Arsenal. Whatever reasons he had, it can happen to people in life. We all go through bad spells. He wasn’t enjoying what he was doing.
“All I know is since he’s been here, he’s been absolutely top class.
“I’ve known Sol for years. He came to Jamie’s 21st birthday party down in Bournemouth. He spent a day at the house then.
“I have followed Sol’s career from Tottenham when he was a striker.
“He played in the youth team as a centre-forward against Bournemouth when I was there and they beat us about 6-1. He could be useful when we’re struggling to find a fit striker!”
