HARRY REDKNAPP believes injury-ravaged Saints had an "impossible" task of producing an FA Cup shock.

And the Saints boss insuisted he will make at least six changes for the Premiership match at Middlesbrough next Sunday.

Redknapp fielded a very depleted side against Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final at St Mary's on Saturday and saw his side caned 4-0.

Saints' squad was torn apart by injuries, suspensions and ineligibility and Redknapp is hoping that missing stars Rory Delap, Jamie Redknapp, Nigel Quashie and Graeme Le Saux will play at The Riverside.

In addition, Antti Niemi is expected to win a recall in goal.

He said: "It was always going to be a difficult night.

"I don't make excuses, I never have, but if I'm picking my best team next week there's only three or four of that team that are going to be in it.

"I've ended up with a decimated squad for the game. I lost all my first choice midfield, my right back made five, I lost Lundekvam at half time and that's six.

"I can't play Man United with six of my best players missing. It's impossible."

Redknapp added: "I came here, looked at my team and was hoping we didn't get smashed. That's about it really.

"You take five or six out of Alex's team and he might struggle. I can't afford to lose five or six of my starting team before I even kick a ball and lose the captain at half time as well. It's impossible.

"That is no comparison to the team I'll pick next week or the week after or for the next nine games.

"It was the team I had to pick for this game because of the injuries."

Claus Lundekvam was forced off at half time struggling with the flu that has sidelined him all week while Redknapp opted to stick with Paul Smith in goal ahead of Antti Niemi but is likely to switch back to the Finnish international for next week.

Despite the heavy defeat Redknapp remained philosophical and added: "The only thing that matters is the league.

"You'd like to have had a decent Cup draw for the quarter-finals and they'll beat us 90 times out of 100 because they're a top team.

"But I had a team that was mixed and matched like you'd never believe.

"Next week there will probably be six or seven changes from that team if everybody's fit.

"United got off to a good start and they're a top side.

"Our team was makeshift of the highest order, and you need your best team out against Man United for sure."