No rest for Redknapp's players

Manager Harry Redknapp has been denied the chance to rest key Portsmouth players for the FA Cup third round clash at home to Blackpool because of a long injury list.

Redknapp has Steve Stone, Amdy Faye, Nigel Quashie, Shaka Hislop, Tim Sherwood and Kevin Harper all ruled out by injury.

In addition, West Brom have told Pompey they cannot use loan striker Jason Roberts in case he has to be recalled at any time to the Hawthorns.

Redknapp said: “I am not taking Blackpool lightly but in normal circumstances this would have been a great chance to rest a player or two.

“We have a big game coming up at Aston Villa next week and staying in the Premiership is our priority.”

But there is one piece of good news for Redknapp as Russian captain Alexei Smertin, on loan from Chelsea, has been allowed to play by the Stamford Bridge club.