Harry puts his faith in James to lead Pompey into Europe - Sport - Evening Standard
       

Harry puts his faith in James to lead Pompey into Europe

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp believes the club can mount a concerted challenge for European football, which will undoubtedly be built on the back of the current form of two of his star performers.

England goalkeeper David James and France midfielder Lassana Diarra are both at the very top of their games and the pair were influential in securing an undeserved victory at Bolton on Saturday.

Top of his game: David James was in inspired form against Bolton

James repelled the Wanderers' attack single-handedly for the entire match, allowing his team-mate to snatch a win with a fortuitous goal 10 minutes from time.

Those are the kind of results which turn good campaigns into successful ones and Redknapp knows if his side can keep picking up bonus points they will remain on track for the UEFA Cup at the very least.

"We have played the big four (Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool) home and away so we don't have to play them any more," said the Pompey boss.

"We have got some decent enough fixtures that could give us a chance if we go on a good run and get all the lads back.

"It is going to be tight; Villa are winning and Everton keep winning."

Comments

Don't Miss
Rock star: Erin Wasson

Rock star

Erin Wasson is the ultimate anti-supermodel
Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner … Happy anniversary, Ma’am

Happy anniversary

The monarchy has become stronger and more respected in the past 60 years
Victoria Coren: My obsession with children, five proposals a week and why David and I are no power couple

Victoria Coren

David Mitchell and I are no power couple
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party

Summer party

Stars at the The Royal Academy of Arts
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
The Glamour Awards - stars turn on the style

Glamour Awards

Stars turn on the style
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party

Garden party

Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink
FIRST review of Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus

First review

Is Ridley Scott's Prometheus any good?
Fair-weather goths

Fair-weather goths

The sultry shades of summer darks are coming out of the shadows
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity