Eddie Howe wary of Fratton Park factor ahead of FA Cup tie
Friday 29 January 2016 15:51, UK
Eddie Howe has warned his Bournemouth players they risk getting knocked out of the FA Cup at Portsmouth if their focus is not right against the League Two side.
The Cherries find themselves as a prized top-flight scalp following promotion last season, while 2008 winners Pompey have fallen down the divisions since establishing themselves in the Premier League under Harry Redknapp.
But Howe admits he is well aware of the reception awaiting his side at Fratton Park, having joined the club in March 2002 as Redknapp's first signing, only to suffer a serious knee injury.
"The Fratton Park pitch is quite close to the stands there and the Portsmouth crowd really stick with their players, so if we don't start well, it will be difficult for us," Howe said.
"The mentality from when we arrive at the stadium will be key for us. We want to progress and coming into the third round now is still a new experience for us.
"A couple of wins and you are looking at the latter stages, so we will take it very seriously.
"The magic is there, if you want it to be, and the FA Cup can still be a huge competition in English football."
Pompey, who sit fifth in the Sky Bet League Two table, booked their place in the fourth round after a replay victory over Ipswich Town at Fratton Park.
"They have been hugely impressive this season with a good work rate and Paul Cook has them well organised, they have every chance of going up," Howe said at a press conference, published on the club's official website.
"We know that away from home, in a cup tie, which is a derby, that we will have to be at our best to progress."
Howe confirmed captain Tommy Elphick would be involved in the squad having returned to action in an U21s match after recovering from ankle surgery which sidelined the defender since mid-September.
"I am really pleased to have Tommy back, he was our leader on and off the pitch for so long, a key player at the football club," added Howe.
"He has been a modern professional behind the scenes to get back as soon as he can. You can't have enough people like that in your dressing room."
Howe was linked with the vacant Chelsea managerial position earlier this week, reportedly on a contingency short-list including Leicester's Claudio Ranieri, Mark Hughes of Stoke and Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino should Blues owner Roman Abramovich fail to land a big name-coach to permanently succeed Jose Mourinho in the summer
However, the 38-year-old says he has nothing else on his mind other than taking Bournemouth forward, adding: "My focus is here. I have heard about the story but you look at it and then it's forgotten.
"It's just gone, it doesn't mean anything so it's work, Portsmouth and making sure we progress in this cup competition."
