Harry excited by Milan test

Pompey ready for Italian giants

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 7th October 2008

Redknapp Harry

Redknapp: Hoping common sense prevails

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Harry Redknapp has hailed Portsmouth's impending Uefa Cup clash with AC Milan as a 'dream tie'.

Pompey have drawn the Serie A giants in the group stages of the European competition, along with Sporting Braga, Wolfsburg and Heerenveen.

The 2008 FA Cup winners reached this stage after overcoming a treacherous tie against Portuguese outfit Vitoria Guimaraes over the course of a two-legged contest.

However, both of those games saw kick-off times changed to accommodate television audiences and Redknapp hopes a similar situation will not arise when Milan roll into town on 27th November.

"We are looking for a memorable European night under the Fratton Park floodlights but we've already had two silly kick-off times," he said.

"It was still light when we started against Vitoria at Fratton Park and supporters struggled to get there from work.

Priority

"Then in Portugal the players did not get back to the hotel until 2.30am after the game, just a couple of days before we had to play Stoke in the Premier League.

"The league is always my priority. We are going well again after a tough start this year but you've always got to watch your position because it's a very tight competition, tighter than ever.

"But AC Milan in a European competition is a one-off occasion. It's a dream tie and it should be a fabulous night.

"Who could imagine the thought of Paulo Maldini, Ronaldinho, Kaka and all those running out to play here but who could have imagined Portsmouth winning the FA Cup and having four players in the England squad?

"Now it could all happen."