Make the city proud, Pompey

If there is to be a pinnacle of Pompey's current era, tonight is surely the night.

Don't get me wrong, the trips to Wembley were gloriously spine-tingling.

But earning the right to play AC Milan in a competitive fixture? That's off the scale.

Kaka (one of the best players in the world) will line up at Fratton Park with Ronaldinho (one of the best players in the world) ready to come off the bench.

The Rossoneri are taking this seriously. That's the mark of Pompey's progress in recent years.

These are uncertain times at Pompey following Harry Redknapp's departure but, for all the scale of tonight's occasion, we mustn't cower in the face of the Italians.

Pompey are a quality team in their own right.
The worry is, of course, that the spine of this side is missing.

Jermain Defoe, Lassana Diarra and Sol Campbell are definitely out, seemingly undermining Tony Adams' faith that his charges can still pull off a Uefa Cup shock.

The creative Niko Kranjcar is also missing, although the absence of John Utaka won't break too many Pompey hearts.

Personally, I just hope Pompey do the city proud.

Historic is an overused word, but this really is a game people will remember for generations.

After the struggles of the 90s, to see the boys in blue give it absolutely everything against Milan will be enough for me.

If Adams' team do that they give themselves a chance of getting a result. That's all anyone can ask.

To those people who seized the chance to watch the likes of Seedorf, Kaka, Pato, Shevchenko, Pirlo, Ronaldinho et al train at Fratton Park last night, I applaud you.

This is not something which you can expect to come round that often.

Obviously, the hope is Pompey will build on their recent success and Euro nights like this will be more common in the future.

The reality is this may not happen.

So join me in savouring watching Pompey v AC Milan under the Fratton Park floodlights in a crunch Uefa Cup game.

Play up Pompey.

Pompey have a gem in Crouch

Peter Crouch is unlikely to be in England's starting XI against Kazakhstan on Saturday.

But his return to the squad is the least he deserves.

Off the pitch, there is no ego with Crouchie. It's easy to think this is a result of constant teasing (sometimes abuse) over his height, but it's probably because he's simply a decent bloke.

For journalists, it's a reassuring sight to see the striker emerge from the changing rooms post-match because he's always happy to talk. No tantrums, no excuses, no pretending to make a phone call.

Liverpool and Pompey fans took to him immediately because for all his ability, he's gives everything.

He's overcome constant chants of 'freak' at grounds to become a successful international.

One, it has to be said, with a top-drawer girlfriend in Abi Clancy - the fellas who subscribe to FHM approve.

If his choice of lady suggests he's punching above his weight, that feeling is no longer the case on the pitch. He's a respected and dangerous front man.

In his second spell at Fratton Park, he's slowly got into gear as his partnership with Jermain Defoe clicked into place.

And last week saw him bag four goals in a memorable week for the club.

He's playing with verve, spirit and skill, whereas Michael Owen - despite a few goals - looks weighed down and uninterested at shambolic Newcastle. Fabio Capello got his pick right.

If Crouch gets on against Borat's countrymen, expect him to carry on him impressive England record and get goals.

Pompey fans know they've got a top-class player and character.

Play up Crouchie!

AC Milan are just the ticket

Now the enormity of the UEFA Cup draw has sunk in, the next thing we all want to know is how and when they can get their tickets.

The club have promised an announcement - most likely Friday - with all the details.

One thing is definite, though - prices will remain the same as the Guimaraes tie.

It's what chief executive Peter Storrie promised and, to be fair, it looks like he will deliver.

Twenty quid for adults and 10 quid for adults/concessions to watch seven-times European Champions AC Milan - not bad, I think you will agree.

I'm loath to praise Pompey's admin skills - usually because they display any very often - but it would appear this time they might have got it right.

Whether it's via batching games together to ensure the ground is full for the whole group stage or whether, as they are bound to insist, it's a thank you to the fans, it's a good price.

Could it be that for the club's defining fixture in recent history, on a night which will be a celebration of Pompey the team and Portsmouth the city, the club will have a fair ticket policy in place.

An all-inclusive attitude will only serve to improve what will be a special night on the south coast.

And let's be honest, if we are to stand any chance of beating the Rossoneri we all need to stick together.