Questions were being asked of the former Tottenham and Arsenal star's mobility and sharpness earlier this season - especially after a 6-0 drubbing at Manchester City.

But manager Redknapp insists Campbell's superb performance in Saturday's goalless draw at Villa shows that 'gently, gently' training methods are paying off for him.

Campbell, 34, is now usually allowed to skip Monday morning training sessions after games. The recent routine has been for him to report to Pompey's Eastleigh training centre, have a plate of scrambled eggs in the canteen for breakfast and then go straight ahead to the physio's room for a massage.

Redknapp said: "I always talk with Sol before Monday's sessions and if he tells me he needs a rest after a tough game that's no problem with me.

"He's a big lad who knows his own body and if he keeps producing like he did against Villa that's great.

"I'm not a believer in making senior players run their socks off in training if a decent rest now and then and a massage - which Sol loves - works better for them.

"Sol showed at Villa that he's back to his best and now he has another big game in the UEFA Cup against Sporting Braga on Thursday to get through. If what we do with him keeps bringing the right results then that's all that matters."