Redknapp slams schedule

Harry Redknapp has shown his anger at the international football schedule, claiming that he doesn't know how injured his player's will return. Michael Owen is a prime example of a player who continuously plays for England but picks up injuries, falling out with Newcastle boss Allardyce.

He added: "I don't know what condition they will be in until they walk through the door at our training ground. It is crazy. Ask any manager and he will say the same.

"This kind of thing is now happening every few weeks when there is a break in the league programme. It is nice to have a break but not this many, surely."

Pompey have David James and Sol Campbell on duty with England, Niko Kranjcar with Croatia, Sulley Muntari in a four-nation tournament in Ghana, Bouba Diop profile" alt="Papa Bouba Diop profile">Papa Bouba Diop with Senegal for two games and Hermann Hreidarsson with Iceland in Denmark.

Redknapp pointed out: "I don't think Birmingham will have so many away, about three I'm told - and that must give them an advantage when they play us. I expect it will be three-a-side in training as far as we are concerned next week."