Harry Redknapp regrets taking the Southampton job and is expecting a hot reception at St Mary’s this afternoon.

The QPR boss walked out on the club to rejoin arch-rivals Portsmouth in 2005 following their relegation from the Premier League.

Redknapp has never been forgiven for crossing the divide, and the 67-year-old will be hoping to silence the Saints boo-boys again following victory with the R's in 2013.

He said: “I think we went there and won on my birthday last time. It was a good birthday present so let’s hope we go and get a win there again.

Sinner: Saints fans display unsavoury banner after Redknapp quit in 2005

"I didn’t realise how much they dislike each other until I went there. They hate Portsmouth – it was my club on the South Coast, apart from Bournemouth - so I expect a bad reception.

“You always get a bit of grief down there but I won’t be losing any sleep over it. When I was at the club, the fans were excellent, I didn’t have a problem."

QPR have fired blanks in three of their five games since their return to the top flight, and Redknapp has called on his midfield to chip in with some goals.

He added: “I haven’t thought about buying a striker in January yet. It’s that difficult one, you have to make sure you are still in there, which I’m sure we still will be. But the midfield players have got to score. They’ve got to start getting into the box."

Keep up to date with all the build-up, matchday and post-game reaction to Southampton v QPR right here on GetWestLondon.