Avram Grant has ordered Portsmouth to maintain their efforts after
being told the decision to dock them nine points could still be
reversed.
The last-gasp comeback against Hull proves Grant's men are
refusing to throw in the towel despite the consequences of going
into administration, which also included withdrawing Aruna Dindane
from selection as his appearance would have triggered a payment to
Lens.
They are virtually condemned to relegation but Grant feels
Pompey could still get their docked points back.
"Two fans called me, they are lawyers and said they are going
to do something because it is not an equal chance," Grant said.
"I decided for the moment, until the end of the season, not
to do anything personally and to concentrate on football."
Focusing on preparations for the Hull clash was made harder
when Grant was told on-loan Dindane would not be allowed to play
and is likely to return to France.
"There was a clause in his contract that he could play a
certain amount of games," Grant said. "If he played one more we
would pay £4million. At the moment Portsmouth cannot pay
£4."
With the players left available, Grant chose a strong-looking
side at Fratton Park on Saturday although he admits he may accept
requests from players to be rested later in the season.
"If one of the players said they want to play in the World
Cup but they are afraid to get injured, normally I'd say a dirty
word to him," Grant said. "In this case, I will think about this."
Iain Dowie appeared to have earned victory in his first match
in charge of Hull when Caleb Folan twice gave the visitors the
lead.
Tommy Smith grabbed an equaliser in the first half, then
Pompey staged their late turnaround through Jamie O'Hara and the
evergreen Kanu, whose official stated age is 33.
Grant said: "You see Kanu, he is not running as fast as
before and he is not in the physical condition of before. He's not
young any more. But he is clever.
"His movement for his goal was unbelievable, he was at the
right place at the right time. I think he will play until he is 51.
That is in two years."
