Avram Grant is due to receive his work permit for his director of football role at Portsmouth this week and the club have revealed he will at first continue to work in this capacity. Grant, appointed technical director of Pompey in 2006 prior to a spell at Chelsea, said: "I came here as director of football and I think that's a very important position in clubs.

"I did the job when I came in 2006 - it was good for me and the club, I enjoyed it very much. I came to help the club and I'm happy to do it also now.

"I need to do a good job because the team are not in a good position. I love this club.

"I've have had many situations in my life. Chelsea was different - I went there when they were in a bit of a crisis, they were on the way down - and the result was good in the end."

As for what is needed to keep Pompey up, Grant added: "I think the spirit of the team and the atmosphere are good, they are trying to play good football.

"There have been good results in the last month compared to before...but what's happened has happened and I'm looking forward to the next game (Manchester United at home tomorrow)."

On Hart, the Israeli added: "He did a good job, the situation was not easy."