Fans were salivating at the prospect of seeing world-class soccer superstars Seedorf, Kaka, Ronaldinho and Gattuso on the Fratton turf on November 27.

However, Harry Redknapp made an early plea to UEFA and TV bosses for fans not to have to suffer a 'silly' kick-off time.

The Pompey boss said: 'We've got a fantastic game, a dream tie to put on for our fans and we need to make the best of it, with a 7.45pm or 8pm kick-off.

'We are looking for a memorable European night under the Fratton Park floodlights — but we have already had two silly kick-off times.

'It was still light when we started against Vitoria. Then, in Portugal, the players did not get back to the hotel until 2.30am after the game, a couple of days before we had to play Stoke in the Premier League.'

Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie said: 'If you look at the teams there are 40 good sides in the Uefa Cup, it is a tough competition to come through.

'But we will enjoy it and I am sure our fans will pinch themselves thinking Portsmouth Football Club are going to play AC Milan in European competition.'

In Milan, meanwhile, there was some trepidation at facing Pompey.

'We want to win our group but we need a good start,' said AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti. 'The crucial games will be the last two, against Portsmouth and Wolfsburg. We expected a tough group and it is.'

And one supporter on a Milan message board said: 'Portsmouth is pretty tough. I have to admit that I am not thrilled but I want this cup.'

Pompey fans have talked of little else since yesterday's draw placed the FA Cup holders in the same group as Milan, SC Braga, Heerenveen, and Wolfsburg.

Tony Goodall, from the Portsmouth Independent Supporters Association, said: 'I thought it was a joke when I heard. It's great. Everyone was talking about AC Milan – I think this will take us to yet another level.

'There are 15,000 season ticket holders at Fratton Park and they have been there through thick and thin.

'They are now going to be rewarded by this.

'It's up to us now to turn up the noise.'

Pompey fan Adam Sibbick, 30, from Guildford, told The News: 'I think it demonstrates how far we've come, that the likes of AC Milan will be playing in a European competition at Fratton Park.'

Fans flooded on to The News' website to voice their excitement.

The game is likely to see a stampede for tickets although AC Milan, who play at the 85,000-seater San Siro, are only likely to get 1,000 tickets at Fratton Park – the Uefa minimum.