West Ham United midfielder Radoslav Kovac can see Portsmouth slipping further back after losing players to the African Nations Cup.

Relegation rivals Portsmouth have lost six players to the African Cup of Nations but none have gone from the Hammers.

Kovac said: "It may be an advantage.

"Personally, I think Portsmouth will bring in some new players as they have a new owner.

"The clubs at the bottom of the table, who have got enough finances, will be busy in the transfer window.

"On the other hand, the new players must adapt themselves to the conditions first and they are unlikely to make an immediate impact.

"It is good that our team will stay together, but we will be wiser at the end of the season."