HARRY REDKNAPP got his tactics spot-on - but hailed the "terrific" performance of his players following Saturday's 2-0 win over Liverpool.

With nine-goal top scorer Kevin Phillips missing with an ankle injury, Redknapp opted for a midfield five behind lone striker Peter Crouch.

Jamie Redknapp played the anchor role in front of the defence, allowing Rory Delap and David Prutton to dominate the crucial midfield battle and surge forward to excellent effect in support of Crouch.

The width was provided by Anders Svensson and Mikael Nilsson as Liverpool never really came to terms with Saints' new formation.

"It was a terrific performance," said Redknapp.

"They worked their socks off and played some good stuff.

"We changed how we played, we had lost Kevin Phillips and Brett Ormerod had a virus and I just fancied trying five across midfield and breaking forward.

"Jamie was sitting with Delap and Prutton running forward. I thought we could outnumber them in there and we did excellent.

"Prutton was excellent, he got forward and we bossed it in there. It was a good performance.

"But we have worked hard in all the games, I can't fault the effort since I've been here."

Redknapp admitted he may have to reconsider the formation when Phillips returns from injury.

He said: "It worked okay for us, but when Kevin Phillips comes back we will look at it.

"I've got Phillips coming back who was outstanding for me.

"We can play with four or five, but it is about having confidence in the club and believing in ourselves."

Midfield has been a problem area all season, but Redknapp was delighted with the strength Saints showed in the centre of the park.

"We looked strong in midfield - they worked hard," he said.

"David Prutton was in the wilderness when I came here, he wasn't playing too much, but he has started getting a bit of confidence.

"I've got him, Delap, Jamie and if I get Quashie fit that will give us a platform to go on."

Although Saints always looked relatively comfortable after going 2-0 ahead on just 22 minutes, Redknapp admitted that past experiences this season made it difficult to relax.

"We were 2-0 up against Middlesbrough in the first game and they came back," he said. "I'll never forget that.

"The fourth official has put the board up with three minutes to go and we are winning 2-0.

"I've never had that happen in my life before.

"Most of them (on Saturday) played that game so a goal could have changed things even with three minutes to go."