MICK Channon believes the tide has turned in Southampton's favour in time for Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie against Portsmouth.

"If you'd asked me a few weeks ago, I would have put my money on Portsmouth," said the former Saints and Pompey star.

"But things have changed - dramatically so for Saints after their performance against Liverpool.

"It was the best I've seen from them all year. I was up off my seat because I was so excited.

"We murdered Liverpool and, if we can draw confidence from that, then the picture for the rest of the season is optimistic - both in the league and the cup."

Channon was one of the loudest voices in pleading for Saints to bring in manager of substance after Paul Sturrock's departure.

"We waited a long time, too long in fact, to bring someone in," he says, "but now Harry Redknapp has arrived, the players have got somebody to respond to and something to believe in.

"It took him five or six games to find his feet, as it does for any new manager coming in, but now there are some real positive signs.

"The players themselves are beginning to believe in themselves. There was no better example than David Prutton last week.

"He had a tremendous game, running past people and getting centres in, and he brought the best out of the big centre-forward Peter Crouch.

"A few more performances like that and there's real hope that Saints can start moving up the table again.

"I certainly feel there are teams above us like Birmingham and even Newcastle who can get pulled down into the relegation battle.

"My main worry is whether they are strong enough defensively. But, if they can get forward, and get some goals like they did last week, that will take a lot of pressure off the lads at the back."

Channon, who will be at St Mary's with his family for the big south coast clash, doesn't believe Saints will take their foot of the gas because it's a cup tie and provides relief from the stress of fighting a relegation battle

"It's a derby match, that's enough," he smiles. "Besides, the Saints lads will be looking to take over where they left off against Liverpool.

"They've got the bit between their teeth. The only way to keep it there is to go out and get another good result - to keep the momentum going.

"People say one or two of Pompey's bigger players have been distracted by transfer talk.

"That won't mean a thing when they step out at St Mary's. They'll get caught up in the atmosphere and the occasion and it will all boil down to who performs better.

"Players have to live with transfer talk. It's an occupational hazard and it should't affect the way you play on a Saturday afternoon.

"And, in my book, Saints might just have the edge."