HARRY Redknapp would like to sign star striker Henri Camara permanently if Saints survive in the Barclays Premiership - but knows only too well he could face stiff competition.

Camara is in red-hot form and has scored four goals in four matches since joining Saints on loan until the end of the season from Wolves.

And Redknapp believes his 'little and large' duo of Camara and Peter Crouch can trouble champions Arsenal at St Mary's this afternoon.

He said: "Crouch and Camara have been in great form and can cause them problems.

"I took Camara on loan until the end of the season and, in all honesty, we could have probably brought him at the time.

"But it's difficult in our position to know where you are going for next year.

"It's a gamble as to whether you stay up or you don't stay up, so it's difficult.

"I would like to have him for sure, but that's a long way off and whether we would be able to, I don't know.

"Hopefully, he will keep going like he is. The problem will be that the price will go up, but we'll worry about that at the end of the year.

"It's amazing no one else wanted him - we didn't have a big battle to get him. To get him on loan was good business really."

After Tuesday's goalless draw at The Hawthorns, West Brom boss Bryan Robson told Redknapp that Camara, pictured below, had been among the most dangerous players his team had faced all season.

"He's got pace, the ability to beat people, great skill and tight control around his feet, I've been really impressed with him," said the Saints boss.

"Bryan Robson said the other night that no one all season had given West Brom the problems he gave them. He was a real threat - his pace is unbelievable.

"And I've got Kevin Phillips as well who is a fantastic player, a top, top pro, so we're strong up front."

Redknapp is well aware of the quality throughout Arsenal's team, but still thinks Saints will have to be prepared to take today's match to The Gunners.

He added: "We have to get in among them and have a real go at the game and try and pick up another win.

"We will look to get forward and get it up to Camara and Crouch. If you show too much respect, they will walk all over you.

"It's a big game for us, if we could pull this one off it would really set us up and get us moving.

"But we know they have got match-winners all over the place.

I think (Thierry) Henry is the best player in the world, but I think we've got people that can cause them problems."