Nadir Belhadj may have been the Blues' sole arrival during a somewhat low-key transfer deadline day.

But he remains a crucial part of a system Redknapp intends to keep for the foreseeable future.

Essentially an attacking left-sided player, the 26-year-old will offer vital cover for Armand Traore.

Last season, Hermann Hreidarsson, Noe Pamarot and Lauren all filled-in at left-back – yet, in truth, none are equipped for an out-and-out wing-back role.

That alternative will be provided by Belhadj – an Algerian international who has arrived on a season-long loan.

Concerns over burning out 18-year-old Traore also prompted the Blues boss to seek left-sided reinforcements.

And he remains satisfied he now possesses the strength in depth to maintain his wing-back wonders.

Redknapp said: 'Belhadj is a left-sided player. He can be a left-back, he can be a left wing-back, and we need good players like that.

'I know what he can offer us. I've seen him a few times and so has Tony Adams and our head of scouting Ian Broomfield.

'We've all liked what we have seen.

'He's the same type of player as Traore. He's got pace, has good ability and is a very good player.

'I see him giving us an alternative in that left wing-back role. Before there was no-one really at the club who could do it apart from Armand.

'We've got a lot of games coming up, especially if we do well in Europe.

'There's a run where we play Saturday, midweek and then Saturday or Sunday – it's pretty heavy stuff.

'You are going to need a squad, especially with Traore.

'The lad's only 18. He's done terrific, but I don't want to burn him out. He's not used to it.

'It's a big ask for someone of his age to play three games every week. Now I have another good player who can go there and that's important.'

The arrival of Belhadj, coupled with the tactical switch to wing-backs, inevitably casts doubt over the future of Hermann Hreidarsson.

The Icelandic international was a regular fixture at left-back last season and at the start of this campaign until the loan arrival of Traore.

But Redknapp believes the 34-year-old still has a massive part to play in his set-up.

He added: 'You want Hermann around. What a competitor and he never lets you down. He gives absolutely everything.

'I don't see him as a left wing-back, though. He's more of a defender than both Traore and Belhadj.

'What he can do is play left-back in a back four or be a left-sided centre half in a back three or back four. He gives us options.

'He can still get games, for sure.'

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