Adams fears Milan understudies

PORTSMOUTH boss Tony Adams fears the hungry understudies to the stars at mighty AC Milan might be the biggest threat to his team’s ambition of winning the “most prestigious game this club will ever play” tomorrow night.

Pompey take on the seven-times European champions in Group E of the UEFA Cup’s second round phase minus top striker Jermain Defoe and with major fitness doubts over skipper Sol Campbell and midfield aces Lassana Diarra and Niko Kranjcar.

A second defeat after last month’s 3-0 crash to Sporting Braga in Portugal would badly damage hopes of qualifying for the next knockout stage. But the illustrious visitors, having won their first two games in the competition are virtually guaranteed further progress already — and could rest some of their big names.

“It’s probably the most prestigious game this club will ever play in,” says Adams, “What we did last season, winning the FA Cup was amazing and this occasion is the reward for that.

“How are Milan going to approach it? I’m not so sure you won’t see a few of their squad players come over and play. Ronaldinho and Kaka? I’m not sure they are going to come but sometimes you can get a great reaction from what might be seen as an under-strength team.

“A few of their kids are pretty good any way. Maybe (Philippe) Senderos (on loan from Arsenal) might get a game, (Andriy) Shevchenko (from Chelsea) might play.

“Knowing the Italians, I can see them just locking it up, just come for a nil-nil, but if we can get a goal we might well turn them over.

“Whatever, it will be a great night for the fans. We’re going to give them a game.”