Avram Grant Salutes Portsmouth's Spirit
Pompey manager Avram Grant has saluted the pride and determination of his players after they booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals, putting recent troubles aside to dismiss Birmingham City.
They club have had arguably their worst season to date, going through four separate owners, failing to pay players on time and other constant money concerns, which ultimately led to them becoming the first Premiership team to go into administration.
However, Frederic Piquionne scored two to give struggling Portsmouth, the 2008 FA Cup winners, a return to Wembley and a chance to leave the Premiership on a high.
"You can break many things but you cannot break our spirit," said a proud Grant.
"I'm very proud, when you see players of the age of Hermann Hreidarsson and David James giving their heart for the team. It's important for the spirit of football."
Grant completed a lap of honour following the final whistle at an erupting Fratton Park and insisted that taking the Premier League's bottom club to Wembley was as satisfying as reaching the Champion's League with Chelsea.
"There are some moments in your life you always remember and this is one of them," he stated.
"I was in the Champions League final and was happy, this is the same."
Birmingham potentially have the right to feel cheated after a late effort from Liam Ridgewell was disallowed, despite TV replays showing that the ball had indeed crossed the line.
"We should have had a lifeline with a perfectly legitimate goal but unfortunately it wasn't to be," said Birmingham manager Alex McLeish.
"It would have given us a lifeline and I wouldn't bet against my team coming back if we got that goal. They've done that this season.”
After dismissing Birmingham, Betfair currently have Portsmouth at 119/10 odds as outright winners of the FA Cup.
All odds correct at time of writing and are subject to change
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