As he continues to win admirers, Lassana Diarra has paid tribute to Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp.

"I am here because of the manager," said the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder.

"I feel comfortable with this team and the manager. He gives me the confidence to play. When I was at Chelsea, I knew him because of Frank Lampard. Now he has put me on the pitch and given me confidence.

"But everybody tried to make me feel comfortable and this is why I feel good on the pitch as a player, in the dressing room and everywhere."