Portsmouth boss Paul Hart was happy to see Peter Crouch score for England this week.

Fabio Capello almost damned the man with faint praise by insisting: "He is no Heskey and he is no Bent - but he is the best we have right now."

Yet Crouch crashed home the opening goal which sparked England's vital 2-1 win - his 13th strike in just 16 internationals as a starting player.

And Hart, the man entrusted with ensuring Pompey's top-flight survival following the managerial exits of Harry Redknapp and Tony Adams, said: "For me he's an excellent player and a real priority for us.

"I can't understand all the fuss about what Capello said. His words may have been a motivational tool - but Peter doesn't need that. He's a consummate professional and doesn't need much motivating.

"He works so tirelessly for us that you find yourself praying he gets his goals and his rewards.

"I'm just delighted he performed so well for England where his record speaks for itself - and that he's come back to us unscathed."