I kicked every ball - Harry

Harry Redknapp felt mission impossible was on at half-time of our Europa League clash against Shamrock Rovers.

Harry Redknapp felt mission impossible was on at half-time of our Europa League clash against Shamrock Rovers.

We needed to beat the Airtricity champions, hope PAOK beat Rubin Kazan in Greece and then turn around a five-goal deficit in goal difference to have a chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

News filtered through in the first half that PAOK were leading 1-0, Rubin were down to 10 men and with us already 3-0 up at Tallaght Stadium, the unlikely suddenly looked possible.

Unfortunately, the Russians levelled against PAOK and with that scoreline staying 1-1, it left us unable to qualify, even though we went on to win 4-0 in Dublin.

Steven Pienaar, Andros Townsend, Jermain Defoe and Harry Kane - his first senior goal for the club - netted on the night. Niko Kranjcar played a full shift in central midfield after returning from injury.

"We couldn't have done any more," said Harry. "We did the job we had to do. When you're in a situation like this and you're relying on another score it's always difficult.

"At half-time with the Russian team losing 1-0 with 10 men, I thought maybe they'll get beat two or three-nil so a three or four-goal win would have done us.

"We got the win and the four goals, but Rubin Kazan equalised and unfortunately that's how it goes.

"I wanted to win. I wouldn't have been jumping up and down on the touchline if I wasn't wanting to win.

"I kicked every ball out there because I wanted to go through - it's good experience for the young players.

"You saw Andros Townsend doing well, Jake Livermore, Harry Kane looked sharp, Tom Carroll has had a great campaign, so I was desperate to stay in the competition.

"It wasn't through lack of effort, that's for sure."