Portsmouth Football Club News

• Nickname:Pompey
• Founded:1898
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

Grant defends team selection

15 Apr 2010 - 08:26:23

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Portsmouth manager Avram Grant has defended his decision to make eight changes to his FA Cup semi-final winning side for Wednesday's goalless draw with Wigan Athletic.

Ricardo Rocha, Marc Wilson and Michael Brown were the only survivors from the side that got the better of Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday.

Youngsters Joel Ward and Matt Ritchie were handed starts, while Grant named just four substitutes on his seven-man bench for the trip to the DW Stadium.

Wolves were fined £25,000 by the Premier League for fielding a weakened team against Manchester United back in December, but Grant has defended his selection after claiming his hands have been tied.

Pompey have already been relegated from the Premier League after being docked nine points for entering administration.

"The Premier League need to give us an award because we are playing as we play with a lot of injuries," said the Israeli.

"We needed to do it because we have a very small squad. It is not ideal for us. But what can I do, I am pleased with them.

"Hassan Yebda was on the bench but even he was not fit and therefore he didn't play."