Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has hailed the influence of Brian Kidd in yesterday's victory over Manchester City.

"Kidd just constantly talks about football, about how to improve," James told BBC Sport.

"He was talking about striker Andy Cole this morning and how he improved at Manchester United and you just think 'this guy loves it'. When someone is like that they can only help other people.

"It was important we had that because the belief had gone somewhere down the line.

"It is not for me to to choose who the manager is but I have a hell of a lot of respect for Kiddo from the time I worked with him at England and I've known Harty through the Portsmouth Academy.

"If it takes a little time to appoint a decent manager, I think the club are in decent hands in the meantime."

But James reiterated his desire to see former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson take over at Fratton Park.

"I have a lot of respect for Sven. As good as Sven is he knows his limitations and that why he appoints people to help him out who have the qualities that are needed."