Source: SKY_Sports
Hart - Crouch sale necessary
Portsmouth boss Paul Hart concedes selling Peter Crouch was a case of 'needs must', but is expecting Sylvain Distin to stay at Fratton Park.
Crouch completed his return to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night after turning down a move to Sunderland earlier this month.
The striker only joined Pompey last summer from Liverpool, but has been sold to help repay debts while Sulaiman Al Fahim waits to complete his takeover.
Hart is disappointed to lose the England international, but understands why Crouch had to be offloaded before the start of the new season.
"Peter's a good player and also a great lad," Hart told Sky Sports News. "All of us are sorry to lose him.
"I think it's a case of needs must and we have to face up to those facts."
French defender Distin has also been linked with a move away from Pompey, with Aston Villa reported to be showing an interest.
However, Hart is optimistic the centre-half will not be leaving and is preparing a new contract for the 31-year-old.
Hart added: "He's again one of our big players, so I'm expecting him to stay."
