Distin welcomes busy schedule

Distin: Confident

Portsmouth defender Sylvian Distin claims he would be prepared to play every day if it would help Pompey break into the Premier League's elite.

The 30-year-old centre-back is not fazed about playing three games in nine days and he believes his side has the quality to improve on last season's eighth-placed finish.

Distin believes Harry Redknapp's team can beat anybody if they play to their full potential, and he claims Portsmouth have to talent to challenge for a top six position.

Pompey host Middlesbrough on Saturday before making their UEFA Cup debut at home to Portuguese outfit Vitoria SC on Thursday.

They will then round off their trio of games with a trip to Manchester City on Sunday, 21st September.

Pleasure

Distin said: "I like to play. I played one season at City without missing a game.

"Training is good, but it's nothing compared with games. I would play every day if I had to.

"The success we had last year has made people expect more. For some players it is a pressure - for me it is a pleasure."

Middlesbrough, currently sitting sixth after two wins from their opening three games, did the double over Pompey last season, but Distin says the South Coast side are good enough to take three points when the teams meet at Fratton Park.

Distin added: "We can beat any team on our day - not just Middlesbrough, but anyone.

"We have the quality. We have just lost one of our main players and brought in two or three really good players, so it's possible."