Etame Mayer Lauren confident of Uefa Cup spot

Portsmouth's Cameroonian defender Lauren believes Harry Redknapp's team will qualify for the 2008 Uefa Cup.
Redknapp spoke of his doubts about qualifying after their draw at Fulham but Lauren says they can spring a surprise against Manchester United.

Lauren said: "It is definitely within our capabilities to win the game against Manchester United on Saturday.

"It is not really about United though as Portsmouth have been up there or thereabouts in the table all season."

If Pompey had held their lead at Craven Cottage last weekend they would be back in seventh place in the Premiership, with an outside chance of a European spot.

Lauren, who returned from a thigh injury to take the right-back slot against Fulham after missing three games, admitted he is still to show his best to the Pompey fans

But the former Cameroon international, 30, is determined to put that right now as he looks to the next campaign.

"I need a run of games now because it was so frustrating getting injured again so soon after coming to Portsmouth," Lauren said.

"My priority is to come back next season strong and fit."

Lauren missed nearly a full year of football at Arsenal after a knee operation before joining Pompey in January.