HARRY REDKNAPP has revealed Saints striker Kevin Phillips turned down a January move to Aston Villa - because he wanted to stay and play his part in Saints' relegation scrap.

The former England striker has been forced to show great patience in recent weeks with strikers Peter Crouch and Henri Camara keeping him out of the team.

But he came off the bench to score against Chelsea last Saturday and Redknapp admits he is facing a difficult decision ahead of tomorrow's Premiership clash with Blackburn.

The Saints boss said: "The one change I obviously do look at is Kevin Phillips. I will think about it. Kevin is a terrific player, a goalscorer, he came on and scored last week so that's in my mind.

"He just gets on with the job. He could have gone to Aston Villa in the window. They were looking to pay £2m for him but he didn't move. He didn't think it was right because of the position we were in.

"Not many people would do that and it tells you something about Kevin Phillips."

Redknapp continued: "We are fortunate to have three good front players. Kevin has always been on my mind, it's not been easy not having him in the team. He's a terrific player and a great pro.

"Camara's got that pace, Phillips is a great goalscorer. He knows how to find positions to score, so they have both got different qualities.

"Teams can squeeze you up if you can't get behind them and the little guy (Camara) has got that pace.

"Kevin is a top, top guy, a fantastic fella. It's not easy for me because I've got a lot of respect for him. He's a terrific player, he's been a top, top player and still is.

"Unfortunately he got injured and Camara came in and it's not easy. But it's better than having no-one. We are scoring, so I'm sure we can give Blackburn problems."

With Manchester United unable to unlock Blackburn last week at Old Trafford, Redknapp's knows that Crouch, Phillips and Camara could prove vital.

"Mark Hughes has done well, but he's not got them completely out of it," said Redknapp.

"They are strong and well organised. They are dangerous, they've got pace in certain positions and have some good players.

"They will be okay, they've had three great away results, beating Everton, drawing at Liverpool and then at Old Trafford.

"It shows how difficult they are to breakdown.

"We are looking forward to it. There's seven games left and no-one's got an easy run-in. It's going to be tight. If we can pull it off, it will be a good achievement."

Blackburn are hoping both Robbie Savage and Paul Dickov will return from groin injuries.

Savage has missed the last five matches while Dickov was absent from the goalless draw against Manchester United.