Win gives Pompey lift April 01 2008
Portsmouth midfielder Niko Kranjcar insists Saturday's win over Wigan has given his side the confidence they need as they prepare for this weekend's FA Cup semi-final.
Pompey meet West Brom this weekend and Kranjcar believes his team-mates are well placed to successfully negotiate their biggest match of the campaign to date.
Jermaine Defoe scored both goals against the Latics to lift his tally since arriving from Tottenham for £7.5million in January to eight, setting a club record in the process.
"It was a good performance against Wigan and we are ready for Wembley now," said the Croatian international.
"It was important for us in terms of confidence for the West Brom game. It's the most important game of the season for us.
"We know they are going to be tough opponents. Whoever gets to the semi-finals are good because they deserve to be there. But we are also focused because we know what an opportunity this is going to be for us.
"We have better individuals and the better team - but we have to prove that."
Defoe is unavailable to face the Championship outfit - he is cup-tied - and Kranjcar admits the England striker will be a loss.
"It's always great to have a real goalscorer in the team and there is no doubt Jermain is that," Kranjcar told The News.
"He is capable of getting a goal and can turn things even when we are not on top. He put in a great performance against Wigan."