Redknapp plans to put end to the Cardiff Cup debate

Welsh teams cannot currently qualify for Europe via an English competition, but the FA, under pressure from UEFA, announced on Monday they would revisit their regulations.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp, whose team face Cardiff in next month's FA Cup Final, is staying well clear of the row over their right to a UEFA Cup place if they beat Pompey next month. Redknapp had only thoughts of lifting his first major trophy after 25 years as a manager.

UEFA are considering offering Cardiff a wild card if necessary, but Redknapp said: 'I'm not even thinking about Cardiff winning. If we win we are in the UEFA Cup, so I'm not really interested in the wild card situation.

'We have the players who can play and if we have a good day at Wembley, play at our best, we will take some beating. We'll be the favourites, that's for sure.'

The FA's announcement of a review followed a statement from UEFA spokesman William Gaillard that Cardiff would deserve a European place for winning and that giving them a wild card would be an option.

Redknapp has the comfort of knowing that mathematically Portsmouth still have a second route into Europe available if they can finish fifth in the League. They are currently sixth, seven points adrift of Everton, but play a game in hand at West Ham on Tuesday.

'But catching Everton? I don't think we can,' said Redknapp. 'We're seven points behind, they have a better goal difference, so it would mean us winning three more games than them with just six to go.'

Redknapp added: 'Would I be happy to finish 10th if we could win the Cup? Would I make that trade? Yes.

'I want us to finish as high as we can and I don't want to fade away and win nothing. We want to keep going on two fronts, but if I was given the choice I would rather win the FA Cup.'

One familiar face to West Ham fans will be missing from the Portsmouth line-up on Tuesday. Jermain Defoe has returned to Antigua to attend his grandmother's funeral.

Pompey will also be without John Utaka (hamstring), and possibly Lassana Diarra (dead leg) and Milan Baros (ankle), injured in Saturday's semi-final against West Bromwich.

Albion must put their Wembley disappointment behind them to resume their promotion push at Blackpool on Tuesday. Manager Tony Mowbray said: 'Whatever level you play at you have goals and targets. You have to pick up your team and get them ready.'