Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin says he's happy with the international break.

The Frenchman said: "I feel sorry for our international players because by the end of this week they would have played two more games on top of those seven. It is tough for them.

"At least I have been able to have a rest since the Stoke game. Now I'm happy not to play for France. Players need time to recover and prepare. We need plenty of sleep and massages.

"I know we have a good life and earn good wages but once you get on the pitch you forget about that because you are only a human being. We all need rest and that is why I have enjoyed the break so much. It is one thing to train every day but seven games in 23 days is a lot.

"In fact it's too much. It's both mentally and physically tiring. We are not robots and at this stage of the season it's a lot for any footballer."