Davis: We won't lose focus
Pompey have pledged not to let their season be distracted by their UEFA Cup heroics.
That's the vow from Sean Davis ahead of tomorrow's resumption of their Premier League campaign.
Harry Redknapp's side host newly-promoted Stoke City at Fratton Park still buoyant from their historic Portuguese triumph.
Peter Crouch's extra-time double clinched a famous two-legged win over Vitoria Guimaraes to send them into the UEFA Cup group stage.
With the draw not until Tuesday, all focus will now be on the visit of Tony Pulis' men.
For the Blues it's the perfect opportunity to end a gruelling schedule of seven games in 23 days on a high going into the international week.
And Davis has promised the players will not be resting on their European laurels going into it.
He said: 'Portugal was great but it's important now to focus on Stoke, you look ahead not behind.
'It's gone now. Finished. We made quite hard work of it, they showed what a good side they were in the first half and it showed great character from the lads to come back.
'We can actually learn from that and take it into Stoke and probably keep the ball a lot better, get it wide and into the box.
'But that was Thursday and we will definitely not be distracted tomorrow, I don't think anyone will be.
'Obviously the games come thick and fast now but with international week coming up, if we can just give it one last push and get a home win against Stoke then we should be alright.
'They've had a decent start so we are not going to take them lightly. It's going to be hard work.
'They have probably watched our game against Guimaraes and been glad it's gone into extra time but we've got a lot of fit lads and a good squad.
'We're certainly not going to get carried away by what happened in the week, though.'
Pompey will tomorrow be without the suspended Lassana Diarra while Papa Bouba Diop is still out with a hamstring problem.
That will keep Davis and Richard Hughes at the heart of midfield against the Potters.
The former Tottenham player has only just recovered from a groin injury but is confident his fitness will not be a problem.
He said: 'My fitness is 100 per cent.
'I've rested and worked hard to get back so it's fine now. I'm looking forward to the next game.
'On a personal note, Guimaraes wasn't the best of games for me but hopefully I can have a better game tomorrow.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -4 C to 3 C
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