Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has assured midfielder Pedro Mendes he's a big part of his plans.

After their stalemate with Liverpool on Saturday, Redknapp explained: "A lot of the Premier sides have improved, and they can now take points off top teams on their day.

"Look at Aston Villa the other week taking points off Chelsea. Lots of teams have improved in the summer. They've bought better players in. We're stronger, too. It's the best squad I've had here.

"Pedro Mendes has not even got on the bench and is a top player. He's inches away from being in my team really, but to balance up my subs, I couldn't have Pedro there against Liverpool."