The Blues defender has been left stunned by successive defeats against Manchester City and Blackburn.

He is also unhappy with the display produced in the goalless draw with Newcastle at Fratton Park.

Distin is convinced the FA Cup has become an unwelcome distraction to some of his team-mates, hitting their league form badly.

Pompey head to Middlesbrough tomorrow looking to maintain their fading interest in fifth spot.

And the inspirational defender has called for a dramatic improvement.

He said: 'It's important we get a reaction from the side after three games when we have not been good enough.

'We have to react now because we can't expect to play four or five bad games and then raise the tempo just for the final.

'It's hard because everybody has a different reaction to the Cup final.

'Some feel like they need to rest for it, some feel like they need to carry on, everybody is different.

'I can't talk for the team, but for me I don't think about it – I focus on the league. That's most important.

'Maybe the motivation isn't altogether at the moment, we aren't playing well.

'That's my point of view. I'm not pointing at one player or two players, it's the general feeling.

'Some games at the start you feel like everything is going to be okay, but at the moment when I go on the pitch I feel like it's difficult and we are going to have to fight a lot if we are going to win that game.

'That has to change.'