Gallas, 33, was, on Friday, on the brink of crossing the north London divide after agreeing a one-year contract with Spurs, with a medical the only stumbling block to his signing.

But passing that test could end up being child's play compared to winning over his new club's supporters, who have been almost conditioned to jeer the former Gunners and Chelsea defender over the last decade.

But Redknapp cannot understand anyone wanting to abuse the France international because he used to play for the enemy.

"He's done nothing wrong. What's he done wrong?" said Redknapp.

"He's not the first player to go from Arsenal to Tottenham or Tottenham to Arsenal.

"It happens all the time.

"He won championships and all sorts at Chelsea.

"He's a great lad as well, smashing fellow. I've been absolutely really impressed with him.

"He'll improve Tottenham and that's all I'm concerned about.

"He wants to come here and play and I think that shows the character.

"He could say, 'I played at Arsenal; I daren't go there'.

"He's got the bottle to want to come and play here."

Gallas also faces an uphill battle to win over his critics after question marks were raised over his attitude while he was at Chelsea and Arsenal.

"I don't think his attitude's ever been questioned," Redknapp said.

"The only problem he has, he gets annoyed with people at times - they tell me - who are not as professional as he is, which is not a bad thing. That can't do any harm.

"He wants everybody to be as professional and want to win as much as he does.

"If he can bring that to this team as well, that'll be a good bonus for us.

"Whenever we've played against him over the years, I've always thought he was a world-class defender."

Gallas became one of this summer's big-name free agents after failing to agree a new contract at the Emirates.

He was reportedly demanding £80,000 per week but has settled for much less to move to Spurs, according to Redknapp.

Describing Gallas' signing a "no-brainer", Redknapp said: "Look at the courage he's shown to want to come and play here. He could've taken the easy way.

"He's not coming for money, believe you me. I think you'll find he was offered a lot more money to stay at Arsenal."

Gallas, whose contract includes an extension clause if he plays a certain amount of games, will be Spurs' second summer signing following the capture of Sandro from Internacional.

They have been linked with moves for a host of players, the latest being Everton's Steven Pienaar and former Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra.

Redknapp rubbished the Pienaar link, while claiming he does not believe Real Madrid want to sell Diarra.

But he did not rule out further arrivals and departures before the transfer window closes.

He could certainly do with some fresh blood for tomorrow's Barclays Premier League trip to Stoke, with Young Boys' plastic pitch seemingly having taken its toll on his side in Tuesday night's Champions League qualifier.

"Tomorrow, I'm one short of even having enough subs," said Redknapp, whose only fit striker is Peter Crouch.

Gallas will not be ready to play in the next week, while Ledley King is unlikely to be risked ahead of Wednesday's return match with Young Boys.

"Is it more important tomorrow or is it more important we get through Wednesday night?" said Redknapp of his captain.

The Spurs boss also revealed Jamie O'Hara may need to undergo a back operation, saying: "At the moment, he's not in great shape unfortunately."

Stoke is one of the last places a team would want to travel in the midst of an injury crisis and Redknapp is in no doubt what Tony Pulis' team will have in store tomorrow.

He said: "I think Tony will be saying, 'Come on chaps - let's put a few tackles in on these chappies tomorrow and see if they fancy it up here'."