SAINTS keeper Antti Niemi has backed Danny Higginbotham to play a major role in Saints' survival bid.

The uncompromising defender made his first start for over a month in Tuesday night's win over Bolton and helped solidify a leaky-looking Saints defence.

The former Manchester United and Derby man can play at either centre-half or left back and, having put in such an impressive display in the latter role with Olivier Bernard struggling with a knee injury, he could get another chance against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Sunday.

And Niemi believes Higginbotham is just the sort of character Saints need right now.

He said: "The last five games are not going to be about pretty football but characters and players with a big heart and will to win. Danny falls into that category.

"He was wonderful against Bolton.

"He started as one of three in the middle and then went to left back in the second half and played well there as well.

"Danny is one of those players who is probably never going to be the best footballer in the world but he's one of these characters who's got a big heart and a will to win.

"He's desperate to win and to do well and he's an honest lad and a good Premiership footballer.

"Hopefully, we're going to see a lot from him between now and the end of the season."

Saints boss Harry Redknapp talked before in the game, in the wake of the second half collapse against Aston Villa, of the need for talkers at the back and for strong characters.

Higginbotham certainly is that and Redknapp was impressed by what he saw against Bolton.

He said: "Danny did excellent. I was delighted with him. He played with spirit, enthusiasm and did great."

Saints also welcomed back Matt Oakley, who played a superb role in the second half and is now in contention for a place in midfield, although Jamie Redknapp is likely to return at Fratton Park to partner Nigel Quashie.

Niemi, pictured right, at times performed heroics to keep Bolton down to one goal. He added: "Matt hasn't played much but he did really well and that was an added bonus for us."

"There's been a lot of pressure on us but, judging by what I've seen, we're more than capable of going to Pompey and getting a result.

"It's going to be a huge game - not just for the three points, as it would be great to go there and win for the fans.

"We haven't treated them to much this year.

"But, most of all, we need the points.

"For me, it's another game of football.

"Obviously there will be a lot of media attention going into Sunday as Harry was their manager and we have a player who played for Pompey for a long time.

"But it's really only another game of football we need to get something from."