Premier League: West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers - Peter White's big match preview

HARRY Redknapp has long given the impression of a man who doesn't mind taking a chance or two - witness the procession of cut-price overseas imports who have had brief spells at Upton Park in recent years.

And the West Ham boss has never been afraid to take on a player even if there are questions about whether his temperament is bigger than his talent.

Yet some critics believed that, in Paolo Di Canio, even Redknapp might have bitten off more than he could chew.

Di Canio could turn out to be one of the season's bargain buys, at £1.7 million from Sheffield Wednesday, or an accident waiting to happen.

Blackburn Rovers could well find out at Upton Park tomorrow which way the signs are pointing. For the Italian is expected to return after missing last Saturday's draw at Anfield with a groin strain.

But Redknapp has no doubts.

And, while he wants Di Canio to keep control of the temper which made him public enemy number one as far as referees are concerned earlier this season, the manager has told his shooting star not to douse the fire that makes him different.

There were raised eyebrows when Redknapp invested the money he collected for John Hartson in Di Canio and another foreigner, Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe from Lens.

Especially his purchase of the Italian, a player many thought would never appear in the Premiership again after his 11-match ban for pushing referee Paul Alcock.

But he rapped: "Anyone who thinks Paolo Di Canio is not a good player just doesn't know anything about football. "It is like watching David Ginola play.

"He can do special things which only certain people can do and he also works his socks off.

"I have watched him in training and he is a master of the football. He can pass it, he can do anything.

"He is a superb footballer and has a great attitude in training. He takes as much pride in anything he does in training as anyone I have ever seen.

"I have been so impressed with him, he has been terrific.

"He has a strong will to win and a certain enthusiasm and, while I don't want him to overstep the line, I will not take it away from him either.

"I don't want him to lose that edge he has got which makes him special.

"That is what makes him. When I used to watch him at Celtic it was like watching a little kid play.

"He wanted to win so badly and I don't want him to lose that." Di Canio, today involved in fresh controversy after reported comments in the Italian press about referee Paul Alcock and former club Sheffield Wednesday, aims to repay Redknapp for giving him the chance to stay in England.

"I want to show my gratitude by doing well on the pitch," he said, aiming to banish memories of last September's indiscretion.

"All I want to do is put the trouble behind me and keep my head down."

Rovers can only hope Di Canio does not have it in mind to dish out some punishment of his own tomorrow.

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