The influential French defender has been angered by the team's recent performances, believing the distraction of the FA Cup final should not have deterred them from their quest for fifth place in the Premier League campaign.

But with the league season ending in four straight defeats, Distin insists it is time for some collective responsibility within the ranks as they bid for FA Cup glory.

Distin said: 'What does taking responsibility mean? That some of us should shout some more?

'We are not babies any more.

'We don't have 16 or 17-year-olds in the team – everyone has enough experience to know what is happening.

'We don't need someone to take on the role of the dad or a policeman. It is up to everybody.

'We've all watched the final before and thought "I wish I could be there".

Now we are, and it's up to us to perform.

'I am really disappointed with the reaction from my team-mates in recent weeks – and I include myself in that.

'I came to Portsmouth for the challenge.

'We almost got that fifth place, but unfortunately we didn't perform when we had to.

'It was a big waste. We've done so well over the season but when we had to step up a little bit, we didn't.'

Although it was perhaps understandable that Pompey's priorities switched after reaching the final, Distin (left) believes standards have dropped and it will now be difficult to rediscover their form.

He said: 'Of course it would be better to be playing this game with some really good form behind us, but now it's all about the reaction.

'Everyone thinks it is up to players like me, but whether the players are experienced or they are young players, we all want to win it.

'I want it as much as any other player.

'I am angry. A few weeks ago people were saying we had to focus on the final and I was saying no.

'We still had something to play for in the league, but I knew if we don't perform in the league, we would not perform in the final.

'In training, there is always a good atmosphere and we always work really hard.

'Everything is there.

'But we have been missing something during the games and it's up to us to make sure we are back at our best for this game.'