Harry hopeful on trio's fitness

James, Utaka and Hreidarsson all doubtful

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 1st April 2008

Harry Redknapp demands the best

Redknapp: Hoping for fitness boost

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Harry Redknapp expects David James, John Utaka and Hermann Hreidarsson to be fit for Portsmouth's FA Cup semi-final against West Brom on Saturday.

James has been struggling with an illness this week but Redknapp is not too worried about his goalkeeper.

Redknapp has also played down the extent of the injuries to winger Utaka and defender Hreidarsson.

"Jamo's had a bit of a sick bug but we're hoping that will clear up and he'll be okay," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.

"Other than that, John Utaka's got a bit of a tight hamstring and we'll have to see how that is.

"Hermann's had stitches in his Achilles tendon because of a stud mark, but we're hoping they are going to be okay."

Redknapp has no other new concerns but will be without the cup-tied Jermain Defoe for the clash at Wembley.

Options

The Pompey boss has played down the absence of Defoe, however, and backed his other strikers to come in and perform.

He added: "He's not available and we've got to get on with it. Of course we are going to miss him, he's scored eight goals in seven games, but we've played most of the season so far without him and done well.

"We've got Kanu, Milan Baros and David Nugent who could all come in. So we are okay. Utaka is probably our only out-and-out winger but there are several ways we can play."

Baros has yet to score in ten games and Redknapp is confident he will soon start to show the sort of form he is capable of.

"We need a goal from him but I think he's ready to score. He's shown excellent movement in training, he's played at the very top level with Liverpool, Aston Villa and the Czech Republic and he's a great loan signing for us," praised Redknapp.

"I'm sure he's ready to come in and do a job for us. We've still got the option to sign him at the end of the season and I think a few people were surprised we were able to get him on loan from Lyon. There's nothing wrong with his confidence."