Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has backed Gary Megson's decision to field an under-strength Bolton side in the UEFA Cup on Thursday.

The relegation-threatened Trotters took a virtual reserve side to Sporting Lisbon for the return leg of their last-16 clash and subsequently crashed out of the competition after a 1-0 defeat on the night.

He said: "Gary Megson and his team have done ever so well in the UEFA Cup but the fact is it is more important to give yourself a decent chance of staying in the Premier League. And it is not all about money.

"What would their fans think if they have to watch Championship football next season instead of the Arsenals, Manchester Uniteds and Chelseas? Who is going to remember getting to the UEFA Cup quarter finals if that happens?"