Southampton boss Harry Redknapp tipped his son Jamie to follow him into management as he revealed the midfielder may now quit the game rather than ending up crippled by injury.
Redknapp claimed that the former England midfielder, who turns 32 in June, had turned down the chance to stay at Tottenham as Martin Jol's right-hand man when he moved to Southampton in January.
However, the Southampton boss believes that his son could pay a heavy price in future years if he decides to play on next season following the club's relegation.
Redknapp, who is considering his own future in the game, revealed: "I'm not sure what Jamie's plans are, but he's had more painkilling injections in his knee than hot dinners.
"It's frightening. How crippled does he want to make himself? That's the problem in the end."
Redknapp believes his son will make an astute coach, even though he did not feel the time was right in January to work under Jol at Spurs.
"He was offered a fantastic job at Tottenham as Martin Jol's right-hand man before I took him," he revealed. "He saw the ability he's got and his understanding of the game. But Jamie wanted to play football, so I don't know what he'll want to do. I think he's in a lot of pain with his knee so I don't know."
"He's been my strength since I've been here and I'm not just saying that. He's stronger than I am and he's been fantastic for me. He's had such a positive attitude in the dressing-room.
"He'll go on and do his coaching badges and I think he'll do great. I'm not saying that just because he's my son, I've got no doubts about it."
