Arsenal defender signed on loan

Redknapp has acted swiftly after key defender Arjan De Zeeuw was injured in the New Years Day fixture at Watford on Wednesday and he is convinced that Tavlaridis will be a worthy replacement.

"He's a big strong lad and a very good player," Redknapp told the club's official website.

"After Arjan's injury we needed to act quickly and we have."

The 23-year-old Greek defender is expected to go straight into the Pompey squad for this weekend's FA Cup third round clash with Manchester United.