Redknapp looked on as the Blues' record signing made his second debut for the club in the 3-1 win at Swindon last night.

Crouch made his first appearance since his £11m arrival from Liverpool at the County Ground.

The England international came on for a 45-minute second-half showing.
The 6ft 7in hitman went close with one header midway before the half.

But otherwise he had to feed on a few scraps given to him by his team-mates.

Redknapp believes Pompey need to give Crouch the supply he thrives on to get the best out of him.

And that wasn't the case last night.

Redknapp said: 'We have to learn how to play with Crouchie.

'First and foremost you have to get crosses in.

'I think we got two crosses into the box in the second-half. They got a load in.

'Their little winger McNamee kept getting down the line and kept getting crosses in all the time.

'You have to get crosses in the box when you play Crouchie. Get the ball wide and get in crosses.

'He can get on the end of those and knock the ball down for others.

'But him and Defoe together will be a good pair.'
Redknapp reserved praise for Pompey's opponents, who took an early lead and gave the Premier League side plenty of hassle.

He said: 'I thought Swindon played well. I was impressed with them.
'It's hard to tell in pre-season games, but it looked like they will be all right next season.'