Cranie impresses Harry

England under-19 captain Cranie is best suited at right back or in the centre of defence.

But Henderson gave him the chance to show off his versatility in front of Harry Redknapp and Kevin Bond - and he took it.

Henderson said: "Before the game the main thought was to play as many potential first team players as possible that the manager could have a look at. It's a fresh start for everyone, this was an opportunity for them all to impress the manager and I'm sure he'll have formed his own opinions after the match.

"There's a slot at left back and with Martin Cranie being the utility player that he is I played him there.

"He would have been even more comfortable on the right hand side but he slotted in very well at left back.

"I rate him very highly. He played very well tonight but there was one game against Arsenal recently where I thought he sat back a bit too much. Since then I've been encouraging him to get forward because he can play when he gets in the final third, he's a good footballer and he can get crosses in and get past people with his pace."

Cranie is looking to impress Redknapp after returning from a loan spell at AFC Bournemouth, whose manager Sean O'Driscoll was also present last night.

The 18-year-old made his Premiership debut aged just 17 under Paul Sturrock at Stamford Bridge last May, scoring an own goal in a 4-0 loss. His only competitive first team game since was as sub in the Carling Cup win at Northampton Town in September,

Henderson was disappointed with his side's failure to end the calendar year with a fourth successive win.

"I'm pleased with the performance, we were the better side and did enough to win," he said. "The first thing Paul Smith had to do tonight was pick the ball out of the net.

"Both penalties were right decisions, but 2-1 at half-time was at least a fair reflection of the first half."

See today's Daily Echo for the Saints Res v Fulham match report.