Hart seeking cup boost

// 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. 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.They have won more games in the Carling Cup than the league, having beaten Hereford and Carlisle to progress to the last 16.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."I think that it is a serious competition that deserves the respect we're trying to show it," said the Pompey manager."We have two opportunities; to win another football match and take another step towards Wembley."I think it's a worthwhile competition and we've approached it that way from the start. We ought to continue in that vein."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."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.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."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."

Source: SKY_Sports