Appy waiting on owner news

But Appleton insisted he is happy to focus on football as administrator Trevor Birch continues his search for a new owner.

Birch has stated he is in talks with different parties over a takeover.

But Appleton has yet to hear any news of major developments on that front.

The 36-year-old stated he wasn’t concerned about that, though, as he focuses on his team’s survival fight.

He said: ‘Trevor’s in discussions with people, but it’s not at a point for me to get excited.

‘That’s not me putting a downer on things.

‘In a way, it gives me an opportunity to concentrate on the football.

‘I can hope and pray and do everything we can to put in performances.

‘Hopefully, then a little bit of lady luck will shine on us.’

Appleton has revealed, despite the continuing uncertainty surrounding the club, he is pushing forward with his plans for the future.

That is far from a straightforward process, however, with a whole host of different outcomes possible for the Blues.

Appleton explained he is working to a best-case scenario for Pompey.

He said: ‘I have said to Trevor I will plan like I’m in the perfect job, with the perfect budget in the perfect world. Come the summer I can work backwards and say I can’t do this and that.

‘It’s difficult because if you want to recruit a player, you want to give an agent an idea of where you’re coming from contract-wise.

‘We can’t do that. It’s not a normal scenario, though.’