Source: Team_Talk
My future is at Pompey - Smith
Portsmouth forward Tommy Smith admits he would have no qualms about following the club into the Championship next term. [LNB] Smith, whose side hosts Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, was delighted to be given his chance in the top flight after joining on a four-year deal from Watford in August.[LNB]But cash-strapped Pompey have failed to get off the bottom of the Premier League table since then, and a nine-point deduction for going into administration sealed their relegation.[LNB]While many of Pompey's players are on loan from other clubs and may seek pastures new in the summer, Smith says he would consider staying at Fratton Park.[LNB]He said: "I haven't had a chance [to think about it] with what has been going on. I'm just focusing on this season and the last few games.[LNB]"But I've got three more years on my contract after this, so my future is here. I've got nothing to think about at the moment.[LNB]"The Championship is a great league. I've got a lot of friends in it, so I watch it closely. I enjoy playing in it.[LNB]"It would be great to stay in the Premier League, but that's not going to happen next season."[LNB]After watching Newcastle and West Brom regain their top-flight spots at the first attempt this season, Smith feels Pompey could do the same.[LNB]And he believes blooding academy players Joel Ward, Matt Ritchie and Lenny Sowah against Wigan last Wednesday could help their cause.[LNB]He said: "The teams that went down last season have done great this year, and hopefully Pompey can do the same.[LNB]"We've got some good young players as well. Matt Ritchie and Joel Ward, who made their debuts on Wednesday night, did great. So we've got a lot of players to fall back on."[LNB]Pompey boss Avram Grant was criticised in some quarters for leaving a number of last Sunday's FA Cup semi-final heroes out of his squad for the goalless draw at the DW Stadium.[LNB]A large percentage of his players are carrying injuries and could be set to miss out against Aston Villa.[LNB]But even without their leading names available, Smith says Pompey remain firmly committed for their final four league games, particularly with an FA Cup final date with Chelsea coming up on May 15.[LNB]He said: "I think there are definitely places up for grabs at Wembley and everybody understands that.[LNB]"There is certainly a lot to play for between now and the end of the season, which is great. It's good not to let the season just peter out and go down without a fight.[LNB]"I'm sure we wouldn't have done anyway, but now there's that added incentive of having something to play for.[LNB]"We had to make eight changes against Wigan; there was nothing we could do about that. They were forced upon us. But there is a lot to play for and everybody is looking forward to it."[LNB]Smith says his side owe the Fratton Park faithful a big performance on Sunday, even if they have nothing but pride to play for.[LNB]While Grant is struggling for fit players, Smith has rejected claims the Israeli will field anything other than his best available side.[LNB]He said: "Unfortunately people might look at the position we're in and think that's something we might do.[LNB]"But I don't think anyone who has seen us play this season could accuse us of not trying or not putting out full-strength teams.[LNB]"The fans here deserve performances - they've been fantastic, brilliant, and have never got on our backs once all season. That's a great credit to them and as players, we appreciate that."
