Keane will lead Tottenham out against Arsenal in tomorrow's north London derby having called time on a brief and unsatisfactory stint on Merseyside by rejoining his former club on transfer deadline day.

Anfield boss Rafael Benitez was quick to decide that the Republic of Ireland skipper did not fit into his preferred style of play - and there have been reports that the Spaniard did not believe he could match the expectations of being Liverpool's number seven.

But Redknapp insists he has secured a player of the highest pedigree and the big-club mentality to match.

He said: "I don't get this thing about Robbie struggling at a big club. What is Tottenham? Tottenham's a massive club, he made it here and he can make it anywhere. He's that good a player.

"Robbie has played for Inter Milan and Leeds were a massive club when he played for them.

"It's not like he's gone from playing in the Championship to a big Premier League club. He's been a top player for his entire career, a top, top player."

Keane scored scored more than 100 goals in his initial six-year stint at White Hart Lane and Redknapp insists his mere presence has raised the spirits of Spurs' relegation-threatened squad.

Indeed, the former Portsmouth manager insists he was not the only one who was eager to bring Keane back from his Liverpool nightmare.

"I've noticed this week in training that we've been brighter, sharper and the lads have loved having him back," said Redknapp.

"He's scored a couple of fantastic goals on the training pitch and everybody has looked at that and been boosted.

"They know what he's all about. Woody (Jonathan Woodgate) and JJ (Jermaine Jenas) have been ringing him up because they all wanted him back and they knew we needed him.

"Only a certain number of players have that fantastic enthusiasm when they play.

"We played Manchester United they other week and (Carlos) Tevez was fantastic. When he lost the ball he chased after it like you used to do in the school playground and that's how Robbie plays."

Keane was one of five players brought in by Redknapp in a busy January transfer window, joining fellow old boys Jermain Defoe and Pascal Chimbonda as well as goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini and combative midfielder Wilson Palacios.

Arsenal, meanwhile, laboured for the duration of the window over the their protracted pursuit of Andrei Arshavin.

The Russian playmaker, who is short of match fitness but could make his Gunners debut from the bench tomorrow, was Arsenal's only buy but Redknapp believes they have no shortage of quality.

"They didn't need to spend too much, they already have so many good players," he said.

"They have a very talented squad and obviously Arsene didn't feel they needed too many. Arshavin was the only one he looked to go for and he got him.

"Where will he play? I wouldn't be sure but whoever they play they are a good side. But I have some good players here too.

"We've looked bright all week and we're looking forward to the game, which should be a great north London derby."