Wigan Athletic FC-Portsmouth Preview

Oct 29, 2009 - 5:39 PM ALEX CROOK STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Portsmouth manager Paul Hart insists the latest crisis to hit Fratton Park will not affect his side as they bid to haul themselves off the foot of the Premier League table at home to Wigan on Saturday.

Hart has been hit with a transfer embargo meaning he cannot sign any more players because of outstanding debts to rival clubs.

New Portsmouth owner Ali Al Faraj needs to come up with 10 million pounds to stop the 2008 FA Cup winners being forced into administration.

Defiant Hart said: "Things like this can happen at smaller clubs and can happen at bigger clubs too.

"Manchester United have a huge debt but the difference between us and them is that they have the infrastructure to cope with it.

"I wake up every morning and wonder what the next crisis will be but I am confident we can come through it.

"I have to remain focused on what my job is. It is disappointing but these problems are here to be overcome and I believe we will overcome them.

"I am led to believe things will be resolved and the players have got their heads down and concentrated on their own jobs, they have been fantastic all the way through.

"The players have been excellent they keep me going. I have massive respect for them and the way they have gone about their jobs."

Portsmouth are five points adrift of safety after losing eight of their opening ten league games.

Midfielder Michael Brown wants to end that dismal run against the club he left to join Pompey in the summer.

Brown said: "The performances have been good but we have not been getting the results. You cannot be unlucky every single game because it is about picking up points.

"It is always special when you come up against the team you have just left and all your old teammates. Hopefully we can win and get off the bottom of the table."

Midfielder Jamie O'Hara and Kevin Prince-Boateng are expected to play after recovering from knocks suffered during last weekend's 0-0 draw at Hull.

Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega aims to continue his impressive run of form after being branded arrogant by his own manager.

Rodallega took his season's tally to five with a brace during Saturday's 3-1 win at Burnley.

Latics manager Roberto Martinez said: "When you speak about arrogance in football, in the right way, he is a typical example. He feels he is going to score in every game.

"He certainly scored an amazing goal on the first day of the season at Aston Villa, and that was probably a key moment for him.

But he is also a great example to all the kids, his preparation before a game is always perfect, and he showed again what he is capable of.

He has a knack and an instinct in front of goal, but his overall game is a lot better than people give him credit for.

"Even when he is not scoring, is always contributing to the team and that is important."