Pompey ease into the final

Portsmouth ended their 69 year absence from an FA Cup final thanks to Nwankwo Kanu who scored the winning goal in the semi final against West Bromwich Albion at Wembley. Portsmouth will now prepare for their trip back for the final.

Nigeria striker Kanu, 31, scored from close range after former Portsmouth goalkeeper Dean Kiely had palmed away a shot from Milan Baros.

The result sees Redknapp, whose team will face another Championship team in either Barnsley or Cardiff City in the final on May 17, within touching distance of his first major honour as a manager.

"It's great for the fans, it's great for the club. Five years back, Portsmouth were almost finishing almost bottom in the Championship every year," Redknapp said.

"Now we're sixth in the Premier League."

Redknapp praises Kanu

"Once we had gone in front I felt fairly comfortable because I know it takes something special to beat (goalkeeper) David James.

"With Jermain Defoe cup-tied I haven't got a prolific scorer and it was a concern where the goals were going to come from.

"Kanu certainly hasn't scored many lately but we changed things a bit at half-time, pushed him up and brought in Niko Kranjcar and Papa Diop from the flanks to play a bit narrower."