Harry's Pompey dancing to the African beat

Fifth in the League and scoring goals galore, Pompey have lost only twice — at Chelsea and Arsenal — and their players are exuding confidence.

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Favourite: Benjani is a hit with fans

'Our goal is Europe,' said captain Sol Campbell. 'The players have enough quality to get there and hold our own.'

Portsmouth, despite claiming to be the most successful southern club outside London with two distant title wins and an FA Cup triumph in 1939, have never qualified for Europe.

Yet the UEFA Cup now appears to be a realistic target, although Alan Shearer was tipping them to press the Big Four for a Champions League place after the 2-0 win at Fulham on Sunday.

Manager Harry Redknapp has imposed his brand of expressive football and introduced key African players who have slotted into his system. Seven goals against Reading fired the imagination but the attacking zest is founded on a strong defensive unit. Behind the scenes, the club is on the move, with owner Alexandre Gaydamak powering plans for a new training ground and stadium.

'The change since I've been here has been rather dramatic,' said 37-year-old keeper David James, who has found a new lease of life with the sea air, alongside Campbell and Kanu.

'The investment of Mr Gaydamak has changed a lot of things and the Portsmouth mindset is now about being the best we can in all aspects. The club want to grow and we are growing. It would be over-ambitious to think we'll finish in the top four this season. Realistically, we are aiming for Europe.'

This summer, Redknapp broke the club's transfer record to buy Nigerian John Utaka from Rennes and Ghana's Sulley Muntari from Udinese for £7million each.

They have adapted quickly to the English game; Utaka is a menace with his pace and directness, while Muntari is a subtle but energetic playmaker. The strong African influence at Fratton Park has helped them settle but problems loom when players will be lost to the African Cup of Nations in January and February.

Utaka, Muntari, Kanu and Papa Bouba Diop are all expected to go, although six-goal Benjani Mwaruwari, flourishing at the front of a 4-5-1 system, will stay because Zimbabwe cannot qualify.

Redknapp said: 'The only thing Benji has lacked is goals, but the fans love him because he played a massive part in keeping us up two seasons ago.

'He gives everything every week. Tell him to do something and he does it. He comes from a poor background and he loves being here and playing in the Premier League.'

The Africans, together with gifted Croatian winger Niko Kranjcar, supply Pompey's rhythm in attack but Redknapp is proud of four clean sheets in the last five games.

Alongside Campbell, the arrival of Sylvain Distin and Hermann Hreidarsson has equipped the back four with more height, pace, mobility and vast experience. Glen Johnson, 23, spent last season on loan at Pompey before a £4m switch from Chelsea and his manager insists he can still become an England regular.

'He has the potential to be the best right back in the country,' said Redknapp. 'Micah Richards will end up at centre half and I can see Glen being the England right back. He's got everything: pace, strength, he's good in the air and he can pass.'

Campbell's form has earned him a recall to the England squad and he could win his first cap since last year's World Cup if Steve McClaren chooses to rest John Terry against Estonia on Saturday.

Campbell, 33, said: 'It's what it's all about, challenging yourself on all fronts, trying to do something in the League, getting into Europe and then playing for England.

'I'm there and I'm ready. I've played a lot of big games for England and I'm there for the team. If I play, then great, if not I'm there behind the scenes for the players and the people on the bench.

'It's good. I've been playing good football for a year now. These are the fruits of it. The reward of all those hours I've been putting in. It's discipline. Form comes and goes but talent always stays. It's in the mind. I want to play football and I'm enjoying it.'

Portsmouth are enjoying it, too. The Chimes they are a-changing.

LAUREN (Cameroon)

With Tony Adams, Sol Campbell and Kanu already at the club, boss Harry Redknapp increased the Arsenal influence at Fratton Park in January with the £2million signing of the full back, now 30.

PAPA BOUBA DIOP (Senegal)

Scored the winner in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup against France before securing a move to Fulham. Diop, 29, signed for Portsmouth on transfer deadline day for £4.5m.

BENJANI (Zimbabwe)

Scored just once in 16 games in his debut Premiership season following a £4m move from Auxerre, but the 29-year-old cult hero is the top scorer in the League with six so far this term.

SULLEY MUNTARI (Ghana)

Starred in team that reached last 16 of the 2006 World Cup and helped Udinese qualify for the Champions League in 2005. Muntari, 23, signed for £7m in the summer.

JOHN UTAKA (Nigeria)

Spurs and West Ham were both interested, but it was Portsmouth who took the plunge and paid Rennes £7m for his services. Utaka, 25, might just prove to be one of the season's best signings.

KANU (Nigeria)

One of Arsene Wenger's first Arsenal signings, Kanu's top flight career was on the wane after a disappointing spell at West Bromwich, but Redknapp revitalised the 31-year-old.