Kranjcar praise for Redknapp

Portsmouth favorite Harry Redknapp has been praised by midfielder Niko Kranjcar ahead of the weekend's FA Cup Semi Final. Portsmouth are currently the favorites to lift the cup; and the Croatian midfielder has reserved praise for the coach.

He said: "Harry's man management is great. He never lets you get down. He encourages you to do your best and always gives you massive support. Obviously when you have a run of games, and when your confidence is high, it helps a lot.

"When the results go your way it also helps your game. We have had a great run and not only me but everyone's confidence is high. Harry has been so important in all of that. If you ask my Croatia manager, Slaven Bilic, he will say Harry was one of the managers who inspired him, although he always wants to be his own man.

"You could say they are similar. When you ask any manager and coach they are all individuals - but they all probably have role models. I have dreamed of this. Having goals in life you dream of the best things you can achieve.

"Coming to Pompey, it was trying to go into Europe and trying to win other trophies. We have a great opportunity and hopefully we won't let ourselves down."