Hart seeking cup boost

26 October 2009 20:49
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Paul Hart has vowed to take the Carling Cup seriously ahead of Tuesday's clash with Stoke.[LNB] Portsmouth have collected just four points from 10 Premier League games and remain five points adrift of safety following the goalless draw with Hull City at the weekend.[LNB]They have won more games in the Carling Cup than the league, having beaten Hereford and Carlisle to progress to the last 16.[LNB]Hart would like to go further in the competition and believes a victory over top-flight rivals Stoke would significantly boost confidence in his squad.[LNB]"I think that it is a serious competition that deserves the respect we're trying to show it," said the Pompey manager.[LNB]"We have two opportunities; to win another football match and take another step towards Wembley.[LNB]"I think it's a worthwhile competition and we've approached it that way from the start. We ought to continue in that vein."[LNB]OpportunityAsked whether he would prefer Premier League survival or a cup triumph, Hart added: "I think I would have to take the Premier League, but it's an opportunity, as is the FA Cup."[LNB]Kevin-Prince Boateng, Jamie O'Hara, Mike Williamson and Tommy Smith are all cup-tied but Hart insists other players can come in and perform well.[LNB]He said: "It gives an opportunity for a few other players to shine. The lads have done that in the past two Carling Cup games against Hereford and Carlisle, they've certainly put on performances.[LNB]"Hassan Yebda played one of his first games at Carlisle and it gave him a bit of a platform to move forward. It's a great opportunity for some players."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports