Grant hails club's crocked heroes

Published Feb. 16, 2010 8:40 a.m. ET

foxsports

With Pompey embroiled in financial turmoil and rock-bottom of the Premier League, their 4-1 win over local rivals Southampton in the FA Cup at the weekend put a rare smile on the face of their supporters. It has been a miserable campaign so far for the South Coast side, with the club currently eight points from safety in the league and with their future far from certain. But in the midst of off-field trauma, Grant has heaped praise on the likes of Hermann Hreidarsson, Tal Ben Haim and Steve Finnan for dragging themselves off the treatment table and back into contention. "A few of the players have been playing with injuries," he told The News. "Tal Ben Haim has been playing with an injury, and has now had surgery. "That has been the case for three weeks. Also Finnan has been playing with an injury. "He couldn't play against Southampton, but they all give everything for the team because they know the squad is short. "Hermann came back before it was time to play against Southampton and then gave an heroic game. "To see this is an example to everyone of how not to give up when it is a difficult time. They are always fighting." Portsmouth's next game is a league tie against Stoke at Fratton Park on Saturday as they look to claw their way out of trouble.