Source: Team_Talk
McLeish hails Blues hitman Chucho
The Ecuadorian forward fed strike partner Cameron Jerome for both his first-half goals and caused the Pompey rearguard all manner of problems in the opening 45 minutes.[LNB]Benitez had a golden opportunity to net one of his own after 39 minutes, when he beat the offside trap and rounded goalkeeper David James, only to be halted by a last-ditch tackle from Hermann Hreidarsson.[LNB]Despite costing £8.5 million, the 23-year-old has netted just three times this term, with his last goal coming in a 2-1 win at Everton on January 23.[LNB]But McLeish has been pleased with the South American's efforts in the last two games against Portsmouth.[LNB]He said: "I thought Chucho had lost a bit of confidence in the last few weeks. He had an injury and perhaps wasn't feeling quite his best.[LNB]"The players were finding it difficult to find him on the pitch and he wasn't getting into any of the little pockets he had been looking dangerous in during the early part of the season.[LNB]"He came on last Saturday and I think he got a wee lift from his performance. He created a bit and he looked very dangerous tonight."[LNB]Meanwhile, Portsmouth boss Avram Grant admits the club's administrators have a tough task ahead of them in the coming months.[LNB]Chief administrator Andrew Andronikou has called a press conference at Fratton Park for this afternoon, where he is expected to announce a series of redundancies.[LNB]Grant has backed him to do the right thing for Pompey, but feels he will have a tough job getting to the root of their problems.[LNB]The Israeli said: "I spoke with him and he is trying to do the best for the club. We are not in a good situation and everybody knows there are financial problems.[LNB]"I think the administrator has a hard job, but I hope everything will be okay.[LNB]"This club deserves to come through without any problems, particularly as the current issues came from people who are not involved with the club.[LNB]"The biggest problem has been that we didn't know what the problems were. I think he is trying to find out what they are and find the solution."[LNB][LNB] Barclays Premier League To Be in Top 4. Click here to bet.
