Kranjcar eyeing Wembley repeat

Kranjcar: Happy memories

Niko Kranjcar is hoping for another Wembley outing to remember when Portsmouth take on West Brom in the FA Cup semi-finals.

The Croatian midfielder opened the scoring in spectacular style past goalkeeper Scott Carson as his country prevented England from reaching the finals of Euro 2008 with a 3-2 qualifying victory at Wembley in November.

England's defeat cost manager Steve McClaren his job, but Kranjcar - who has impressed for Pompey this season - has far better memories of his Wembley performance.

"It was a great day for me and a great day for Croatian football. We came to prove the point that we could compete with the best and we did that," said Krnajcar.

Memory

"The goal I scored against Scott Carson is also a great memory although not, obviously, for Scott and Steve McClaren. But, of course, I'm looking forward to going there again.

Kranjcar, though, insists the crucial element of Saturday's game is that Pompey defeat West Brom and book a place in the FA Cup final.

"But the most important thing is still the same - that the team gives a very good performance and gets into the final," Kranjcar continued.

Upset

"You don't need anyone to motivate you for games like this. You just step on the turf at Wembley and you know it is being played at probably one of the best stadiums in the world."

However, Kranjcar is wary of an upset against West Brom, who sit fourth in the Championship, despite Premier League Pompey being touted as favourites for the competition as they are the only top-flight side in the final four.

"I think people naturally say that we are favourites because we are the Premier League team but the players know it is an FA Cup game," added Kranjcar.

"We know we have to be on top of our form to get the win and get into the final. If we stay focused there shouldn't be a lot of problems.

"Personally I don't know too much about West Brom but it is up to us as the favourites to set the pace and show that, yes, we are the quality team."