Redknapp on Newcastle draw

After the goalless draw with Newcastle Harry Redknapp said that fatigue had set in with many of the Pompey players after a busy schedule of 3 games in a week at the end of a long season: 'I knew it would be tough today. Newcastle have been on a good run and it was all pretty tight out there. Without John Utaka we don't have too much width and the pitch was also a bit bumpy.

'The lads have been great and did well in midweek to win at West Ham but I think they were a bit tired today'.

Newcastle have found some form so I do not think that a point was a bad return really was it guys?

We have played an FA cup semi final and two premier league games in 7 days without conceding a goal and winning 2 out 3 of the games so we cannot be too unhappy can we. I know it might be seen as 2pts dropped in the quest to catch Everton but they still have some very tough games to go - and I would rather have our fixtures than theirs - so we still have a fantastic chance to finish 5th.

Once again though, despite several unusual lapses in judgement, we had David James to thank as he did make several fine saves, one in particular from Michael Owen towards the end. He might not have know a great deal about it but he did keep it out and this again saw him earn praise from Redknapp: 'that was a save by Jamo. The shot hit his head and went over.

'He's had two great seasons for us and I couldn't tell you how many points he's been worth to us in that time. He hasn't had too scary moments for us although there were one or two today.

'But it's great for him to be nominated in the player of the year shortlist even though I'm still convinced Ronaldo will win it'.

All in all I think this is an honest and fair assessment from Redknapp, and once again as said I do not think that a point is a bad return from this game against an improving side who had been on a roll.

PLAY UP POMPEY!