The ex-Blues striker was at the Volkswagen Arena last night in his capacity as radio co-commentator and was disappointed to see his old club fail to grasp their chance at group E qualification.

But Claridge also admitted his surprise at the team selection for a game Pompey had to win, with Braga beating Heerenveen in Holland.

Claridge said: 'They had a go and they were not quite good enough.

'It's hard to make a case for them to qualify when they've played three games in the group and haven't won any of them.

'The fans have had a great experience, everyone has enjoyed it and I'm sure the players have learnt a lot as well.

'Let's all hope they get another opportunity to do it again in the future.

'It's not a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but you would think they are few and far between.

'But I was a bit disappointed when I looked at the teamsheet – I don't think Pompey are in a position to rest players.'

Perhaps the biggest selection surprise was the decision to leave Peter Crouch on the bench, while Papa Bouba Diop was also left out of the starting line-up.

Claridge said: 'Let's be honest, Pompey are not going to get relegated and it will be very difficult to get back into the Uefa Cup through the Premier League.

'I thought it was a game to nothing where they could have really gone for it.

'I just wonder whether there could have been more importance placed on this game rather than the six or seven that they have got coming up.

'You have to make a judgment call and Pompey have not got a massive squad.'

And Claridge believes David James – whose late error condemned Pompey to defeat – will return to form ahead of Sunday's trip to West Bromwich Albion.

Claridge said: 'You don't have to feel sorry for David James because he will be back to his very best in the next game.

'Ask any defender who the best goalkeeper they have played in front of and they will all tell you that it's David James. He doesn't hide behind his defenders and he takes responsibility.

'He held his hand up when he made a mistake and he got on with it. He was ultra-casual for their goal, but then he went and saved a penalty a few minutes later. That shows his character.'

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