Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is delighted with defensive signings Sylvain Distin and Hermann Hreidarsson.

Redknapp said: "Defensively, I'm fine. We're strong at the back. I feel we have cover in every position. I think I've signed one of the best defenders in the country in Sylvain Distin. I couldn't be more pleased with that one.

"We did ever so well defensively last season. David James and Sol Campbell made a terrific difference. But you're always looking to improve. It's all about competition for places.

"I think we've got the strongest-looking defence since I've been here, for sure. We've bought two good players in Distin and Hermann Hreidarsson. Avoiding letting in goals is all about team-work. Behind the defence we've got the best goalkeeper in the country.

"And the midfield played a big part. Apart from Matt Taylor, the midfield players didn't score enough goals. But they helped to make us more solid. They worked hard in front of the back players.

"If we'd had a midfield that scored lots of goals, we might not have been so solid defensively."