Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp admits his man-management skills are being tested with his talented squad this season.

Midfielder Richard Hughes, who has just completed a three-match suspension after being sent off in the reserves, has already admitted he may look for a move in January.

David Nugent, Pompey's £6million striker, was not even among Redknapp's substitutes at Newcastle after recovering from a groin injury while Pedro Mendes made only a brief appearance from the bench.

Redknapp said: "It's tough getting good players into the side. The progress we've made this season is fantastic. We are twice as good as last year."