Redknapp may not yet be in the same league as Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez when it comes to squad rotation.

But the Pompey manager now has a wealth of choices in his 25-man squad – so much so that perhaps even he doesn't know his strongest 11 when everyone is fit and available for selection.

The defence is perhaps where his greatest wealth lies as versatility has become the name of the game.

Remarkably, Harry now has six right-backs at his disposal, while he has seven centre-backs and six left-backs – all from 11 players.

The goalkeeper slot is cast in stone at present with David James the clear number one.

But perhaps the right-back berth is one of the thorniest of the current conundrums that Redknapp has to wrestle with.

The deadline day arrival of Glen Johnson raised a few eyebrows in certain quarters.

But if he can eradicate the lapses in concentration that occasionally blight his performances, he offers genuine speed and an attacking element from deep as he showed to great effect in the second half at Arsenal. Lauren, meanwhile, is the opposite.

He's a steadying influence at the back and a tough opponent for any winger.

But he's not exactly brimming with breakneck pace any more and is unlikely to go hurtling past on the overlap too many times.

In the centre, the battle really unfolds with Sylvain Distin – who was imperious at Arsenal – and Sol Campbell fighting off stern competition from a rejuvenated Noe Pamarot and fit-again Linvoy Primus.

At left-back, Hermann Hreidarsson, Djimi Traore and Matt Taylor are all eager to claim a place, while Pamarot, Martin Cranie and even Distin could do a job there, if required.

The midfield quartet is another especially competitive area, but new recruit Sulley Muntari has done enough in his short Blues career to suggest he is as close to an automatic selection as you can get.

So do you pair him in the centre with the guile of Pedro Mendes, the towering strength of Papa Bouba Diop, the energy of Sean Davis or the tenacity of Richard Hughes?

On the left, it's Taylor's goalscoring threat and natural width versus the craft and skill of Niko Kranjcar, who increasingly looks to have acclimatised to the rigours of the Premiership with each passing game.

Another major issue is just how to extract the very best from John Utaka.

Do you give him free reign to do damage on the right flank and accept that he may not track back too often?

Or do you play him at the spearhead with frightening pace to upset the best defenders in the land?

On current form, the Nigerian has to play – it's just a question of where.

And the strike partnership is dictated by where Utaka fits in.

Kanu's touch and hold-up play is vital to allow others to join the attack, while Benjani's work ethic and searing pace is a threat playing on the shoulder of the last man.

While David Nugent is still finding his feet, just one goal could instantly transform him into the penalty box predator that Redknapp has been searching for.

Of course, injuries, suspensions and loss of form will play a part in Redknapp's selection policy as the season rumbles on.

But the phrase 'bare bones' should no longer apply when Harry is scribbling the names on his teamsheet.