AVRAM GRANT GIVEN BACKING TO MAKE TEAM SELECTION

AVRAM Grant has been given the full backing of Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou for any decision he takes on team selection for the rest of the season.

Grant has hinted that he may field a weakened side in some matches, and allow any of his World Cup-bound players as much time off as they want to prepare for this summer’s finals.

And he is considering holding back some of his top names to ensure they do not pick up injuries ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against either Tottenham or Fulham at Wembley on April 11.

Pompey go into today’s game at home to Hull 17 points adrift of safety with just nine games left.

Fielding a below-strength team could lead to a severe Premier League warning and possible fine. But after a meeting with Grant, Andronikou insisted the Pompey manager has complete control over all footballing matters at Fratton Park.

“We have full confidence in Avram and whatever he decides we will back him 100 per cent,” said Andronikou.

“As a football layman and a supporter I would fully expect him to focus on the FA Cup.

“I am sure the players will want to play out the last few fixtures in the league, but the challenges may be different now.”

Pompey midfielder Michael Brown claims his performances will not be affected by the nine-point deduction imposed by the Premier League.

Brown said: “It is going to be difficult for the rest of the season, and we have to make sure that if we fall behind in a game, the confidence doesn’t dip.”

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