Jordan urges better service

Pompey number two backs new strike pairing

Last updated: 10th August 2008

Manchester United v Portsmouth Jermain Defoe

Defoe: Frustrating afternoon

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Joe Jordan has told the Portsmouth players they must provide Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe with better service if they are to prosper at Fratton Park.

Pompey's assistant boss is confident the new strike pairing will be a success on the South Coast despite causing Manchester United few problems during their Community Shield clash.

Crouch and Defoe were well-shackled by United's defensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but Jordan believes Pompey just need to find the right approach.

"I think the team has got to realise the kind of quality ball they need," he told the club's official website.

"It's about the service we get to them so they can be the strikers we know they are.

"Width will come when it's necessary and available. If Glen Little can stay clear of little niggles he can give us width, along with the full-backs.

Understanding

"But it's not just about crosses, it's about getting the ball up to the front pair to make the most of their ability, and then getting forward to support them.

"I think it's an area where we can do better. But establishing an understanding is not something that happens overnight."

Defoe was left frustrated after he and Crouch saw precious little of the ball in front of the watching England boss Fabio Capello.

But the former Spurs striker knows they were up against a formidable challenge in the form of last season's Premier League and Champions League winners.

"We lost on penalties but we play them in the league in a couple of weeks and that's when it really counts," he said.

"It was difficult against Ferdinand and Vidic - it always is. Whenever United lose the ball they get back to shape really quickly and get a lot of bodies around you.

International hopes

"I think the England manager was here and he knows what we can do," Defoe added.

"It's up to him if we're selected but we've got a good record together and if we're picked then I'm sure we'll be ready."

Meanwhile, Hermann Hreidarsson accused United striker Carlos Tevez of stamping when United felt they should have been awarded a late penalty.

Hreidarsson grabbed Tevez's legs in the penalty area but the Portsmouth defender has defended himself, claiming it was a reaction to the Argentinian trampling on him.

Referee Peter Walton waved play on before Tevez grabbed Hreidarsson's throat, although no action was taken against either player.

"I was down and he stamped on me," said Hreidarsson.

"I thought he could have avoided me, there was no need for it. That was why I reacted and why I grabbed his leg."