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Distin calls for league focus

Image: Distin: Focused

Sylvain Distin has urged his team-mates to focus on their Premier League aspirations.

Centre-back puts FA Cup to back of his mind

Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin has urged his team-mates to focus on their Premier League aspirations. Pompey are well placed for European qualification as they currently sit sixth in the table after their 2-0 success over Aston Villa at Fratton Park on Saturday. Harry Redknapp's men are also fighting in the FA Cup, with their semi-final encounter against West Bromwich Albion taking place on 5th April. But Distin has demanded that Portsmouth resist the temptation to become distracted by their FA Cup commitments, and instead concentrate on cementing a top-five finish.

Ambition

"I think we can still make it into Europe through the league. There are enough games and points up for grabs," he said in The News. "It's possible and I think we can do it still. We still believe. It's been a great time [for] us. "It was important for us to stay in front of Villa. To win, score two goals and keep a clean sheet against a team like Aston Villa has to be a great performance. "I didn't even watch the semi-final draw. I know the fans are happy to be going to Wembley. "But if I have a choice I have to say our main ambition is the league. Winning the FA Cup is still a long way away for us."
Baros on Defoe
Milan Baros, meanwhile, has voiced his praise for strike partner Jermain Defoe, who has fired six goals in six games since his January move from Tottenham to Fratton Park. "Jermain's a great player. He makes great moves and makes space for you," Baros explained. "He makes things easy for you. Also, he is a great finisher. He has six goals already since coming here. "He's a great player and I'm enjoying playing with him."

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