Though Portsmouth had plenty opportunities to score, the match looked as if it was going to end in a goalless draw.

But Niko Kranjcar earned Pompey the penalty after he was tripped by Philip Bardsley in the box. Defore duly converted from the spot to secure victory for Portsmouth.

The 60-year-old admitted he could only see his side winning the match by a solitary goal after it was proving extremely difficult to make the breakthrough against Sunderland.

Said Redknapp: “I said to Tony [Adams] [Portsmouth coach] that I could see one goal winning the game. It was a tight match, and to be fair, [David] James had very quiet afternoon. They [Sunderland] were difficult to break down but they didn’t create many chances today.

“We deserved to win today.”

But the former West Ham boss also complimented the Black Cats for making his team labour for the win with their dogged resistance.

He added: “It was always going to be a tight game. Sunderland are a good side and it is never easy to play against them. They started with a 4-5-1 formation which made the midfield was very congested.

“So I told the boys during half time that there was not enough space for us at all. We’ve needed to be patient and hope the opportunity will come in the end.”

With the victory, the Pompey boss marked his 100th match in charge and puts Portsmouth in contention for a European spot.