Portsmouth-Stoke City Preview

Nov 20, 2009 - 10:56 PM GEOFF McALLISTER STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Steve Finnan aims to set Portsmouth on the road to Premier League survival at Stoke on Sunday after revealing the pain of relegation outweighs the joy of winning trophies.

Finnan boasts an impressive medal collection including the Champions League, FA Cup, European Super Cup and titles from Divisions One, Two and Three.

The former Liverpool, Fulham and Ireland full back, 33, says he is still haunted by the scars of being relegated with second division Notts County 12 years ago.

Finnan said: "There are different pressures at different clubs, such as trying to stay in the league, winning it or whatever. But nothing beats the pain of relegation.

"The only time I have actually been relegated before was Notts County and I can tell you it's a really bad feeling, not nice at all, it was 12 years ago now and I still remember it.

"It doesn't go away, not even now. Obviously, it is not a nice feeling for anyone involved.

"Whether it be the players, staff or the fans it is a terrible feeling.

"Having experienced that already you can try to help and make sure it doesn't happen again. As a player it is definitely a feeling you don't want.

"Until you've had that you don't realise how bad it really is."

Portsmouth are already four points adrift of safety after losing nine of their opening 12 games but Finnan is backing Paul Hart's side to haul themselves out of danger.

He added: "Everyone at the club believes we can get out of it and it is a case of having to pick up the points to make sure we do.

"We all know the circumstances of what we need to do here and stay in the Premier League and there is a good enough squad here to stay there."

Manager Hart hopes top-scorer Aruna Dindane will be fit after limping off at Ewood Park with a hamstring injury while David James will play despite missing England's friendly defeat to Brazil in Doha.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis insists there be no room for sentiment against his former club.

Pulis spent nine months in charge at Fratton Park in 2000.

The Potters boss said: "They are a club I have affinity with. There was a bad feeling with me and the former owner Milan Mandaric but that is all cleared up now.

"It was an enjoyable place to work and I have fond memories of my time there. I think they are a great football club with great supporters.

"It was my first taste of seeing what your supporters can do for a club. They were brilliant the year I was there.

"It is never nice to see any of your old clubs struggling and I hope they can stay up but that won't stop me wanting to beat them."

Stoke defender Abdoulaye Faye is banned after being sent off in their 2-1 defeat at Hull.