The uncertainty over Sulaiman Al Fahim's proposed takeover at Portsmouth cannot be used as an excuse for poor results on the pitch, according to midfielder Aaron Mokoena.

Al Fahim was in the stands at Fratton Park on Saturday to watch the opening game of the new Barclays Premier League campaign, which Paul Hart's makeshift side lost 1-0 against Fulham.

With some reports now suggesting the south-coast club were looking to other options should Al Fahim not be able to complete a deal, Pompey goalkeeper David James admits there is concern over going into administration.

The likes of England trio Peter Crouch, Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe have all now left Fratton Park, with no major cash reinvestment back into the side.

However, South African Mokoena, signed from Blackburn on a free and who impressed on his debut, insists it must be business as usual once the players cross the white line.

"It is going to be difficult this season, but we are ready," he told the Portsmouth News.

"There has been a lot of speculation off the field, but as players we try not to let what is happening off the field affect us at all.

"It is difficult to deal with, but I have no regrets coming here.

"We know we have to do the business on the field. That is our job.

"Obviously the club want the opportunity to get this matter off the field sorted as quickly as possible.

"We never even talk about it. The manager never even touches on it - which is really good.

"We know what we are here for, and keeping it quiet among the players helps as well."

Mokoena added: "We could never use it as an excuse. We have professional senior players here.

"The chairman can answer the questions. We know what we have to do."

Hart takes his side up to newly-promoted Birmingham on Wednesday night and Mokoena is confident of a reaction.

"You have just got to go out with the spirit we showed against Fulham," he told the club's official website, www.portsmouthfc.co.uk.

"If we can take that into the next game, I am sure we can come away with something.

"We just have to be positive and that is what we are at the moment.

"We have to focus on the next match."

Portsmouth, meanwhile, hope to finally get international clearance from the Italian Football Association for Anthony Vanden Borre, after a delay meant the Genoa midfielder could not feature against Fulham.