Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp admits his players are "knackered" ahead of their clash with Stoke City.

After their UEFA Cup victory at VitoriaGuimaraes, Redknapp said: "It was past midnight by the time we finished and now we are going to have to play really well to beat Stoke a couple of days later.

"Look how they held Liverpool at Anfield the other week. They are a very, very fit and physical side and will be smiling after watching us play extra-time in Portugal."

Redknapp locks horns with Stoke's former Pompey manager Tony Pulis and his team come up against former Fratton Park favourites Andy Griffin and Ricardo Fuller.

Redknapp also had long-throw expert Rory Delap under his wing during his time at Southampton, and said: "We know all about them but it doesn't mean they are easy to take on - far from it. Fuller is a top striker, hard as iron and a handful for anyone.

"And my players are knackered. Three games in eight days, Sunday-Thursday-Sunday. It is going to become a regular event now we are through to the second round in the UEFA Cup with a guarantee of at least four more games in the group stage.

"But this competition can drain your squad if it is a not a very big one - and we've got a few knocks.

"We delayed our flight from Portugal on Friday so we could get the players on the beach and into the cold sea to get the lactic acid out of their limbs.

"What concerns me is how we get people like Sol Campbell up for another game. He's 34, a big lad who needs his rest and he's been terrific for us but a run of games is a tough ask.

"I see the Portuguese league put Vitoria's game back to Monday night to help them in Europe. Maybe we could think of something like that in this country?"