Boss Harry Redknapp's hopes of bouncing Southampton back into the Premiership are set to be dealt another blow by the announcement of son Jamie's retirement.

BBC Sport understands that Jamie, 31, will be forced to concede defeat in his battle with a knee injury.

He had visited the Colorado clinic of specialist Dr Richard Steadman, who is believed to have advised him to quit.

Former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp made 17 appearances for Saints after arriving from Tottenham last January.

Redknapp junior admitted that he was having to play through the pain barrier as he tried unsuccessfully to keep his father's Southampton side in the Premiership.

He joined Southampton on a free transfer in January with a contract only until the end of the season, but was hoping to stay and play an integral role in trying to regain the club's Premiership status at the first time of asking.

Redknapp's career began as a trainee at Bournemouth - where his dad Harry was manager - before he joined Liverpool as a 17 year-old in January 1991.

In his 11 years at Anfield he made 310 appearances, including 38 as a substitute, before joining Tottenham on a free transfer in July 2002.

Just as they had towards the end of his time at Liverpool, injuries hampered Redknapp's appearances at White Hart Lane.

In two-and-a-half years at Tottenham he made only 53 appearances in all competitions, including 11 as a substitute.

Redknapp picked up 17 England caps and scored one goal for his country.