Harry still focused on cup
16 Mar 2008 - 13:40:00
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- Harry still focused on cup
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp cooled his side's chance of qualifying for Europe via the league despite securing a 2-0 win over fellow challengers Aston Villa.
Pompey moved above Villa into sixth place following Saturday's victory at Fratton Park, but with fifth-placed Everton still in the box seat for the one UEFA Cup spot, Redknapp still believes qualification is unlikely through the league table.
Instead, the south coast club could secure European football through the FA Cup after reaching the semi-finals with last weekend's 1-0 win at Manchester United.
Portsmouth were also 4-2 winners over Birmingham City in the league on Wednesday.
"We've gone above Villa into sixth place now but Everton are the team to catch for fifth and we'll keep trying," said Redknapp.
"It has been a terrific week for us and we did well again because Villa set us a lot of problems, particularly from set-pieces.
"They are such a big side that it was bound to be that way, but without Sol Campbell I thought we defended really well in the end."
Meanwhile, Redknapp also reserved special praise for David James after the veteran goalkeeper produced a top-drawer performance in front of England manager Fabio Capello.
He added: "David is top-class. Everybody knows what I think of him.
"I don't think any of our England players did themselves any harm in front of Capello."