Harry Redknapp told The News of the pressure he feels he is under to deliver at Pompey.

Redknapp admitted he carries the weight of expectation to steer his side into Europe this season.

Sacha Gaydamak has given Redknapp his backing since arriving as chairman. That was seen as he backed him to the tune of around £30m in the summer.

There's no suggestion he is putting the squeeze on his manager, but Redknapp stated he reckons he has to produce results.

He reckons a top-10 finish is a realistic ambition as Pompey continue to progress.

But their over-achievement and current top five position has upped the ante.

Redknapp said: "A top-half finish would be a brilliant season for us this year.

"I know where we were before I joined the club, I know where we were when I left and I know where we were when I came back.

"A lot of teams have spent money and there is nothing in this league.

"But you don't get time in this game, you are either winning or losing.

"I don't know any chairmen that have five year projects. I think chairmen have five game projects not five year ones."

Pompey's improved form has been acknowledged by countless pundits and experts in recent weeks.

But he is under no illusions at the size of the task his team face to continue that form.

"It's been a good month and we need to keep it going now, but it's not easy.

"Teams like Fulham are the same as us.

"They have spent over the summer and bought in a lot of new players.

"So far all the top teams have been defeated at certain times.

"That's because all of the others have improved. That's how this league is."