Sol Campbell has warned Portsmouth it would be 'suicidal' to let their fringe players leave.

The Blues skipper is convinced their European aspirations will be harmed if Harry Redknapp's squad breaks up.

With the transfer window opening again next month, a string of out-of-favour Fratton Park favourites have been linked with departures.

Among them are Matt Taylor, who Redknapp has admitted will be allowed to leave if he wished to go.

He told The News: 'We are losing the guys for a month or six weeks to the African Nations but it's not that bad.

'We've got players who can fill in, great pros, so it won't hit us that much. 'The back four are the key though, Benji is not going while there are guys who can come in and stand up for themselves. 'I think this year we've got some better players, it's not going to be like last time.

'The quality of players is a lot better in the squad, everyone is there.

'What we can't afford to do, though, is lose a couple of the fringe players.

'It would be suicidal to let players go, we need them all here.

'It's about having a strong squad, keeping a strong unit, everyone is important. 'It's definitely something to be wary of.'