Portsmouth FC

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Kranjcar injury sours victory

19 Apr 2009 - 07:20:41

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Portsmouth boss Paul Hart has admitted an injury to Niko Kranjcar took the gloss off his side's vital 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers.

Pompey boosted their survival hopes with the narrow win at Fratton Park which came via an Nwankwo Kanu goal after Kranjcar had been stretchered off in the 75th minute.

The Croatia international was left writhing in agony following a challenge from Gavin McCann and Hart has already ruled him out of Wednesday's trip to Manchester United.

"It looks like a twisted ankle, but it is still a blow for us because he's an important player for us, especially in a smallish squad," said Hart, who also lost defender Younes Kaboul to a late injury.

"I certainly wouldn't expect him to be available for the game at United on Wednesday and it could be a worry long term."

Meanwhile, battling Pompey are now six points clear of the drop zone and Hart was pleased with the overall team display.

He added: "It would not have been an injustice for us to be two or three up at half-time.

"Bolton have a way of playing that makes them difficult to play against us, but I think you have to give our players credit even though we didn't dominate in the second half as much as in the first half."