Pompey are taking the FA Cup just as seriously as you would expect - preparing to send out their strongest side in their third round tie at Fleetwood.

Some Football League clubs see the cup as a distraction from the aim of accruing league points, and while promotion from League One is Pompey's top priority, boss Kenny Jackett places great value on the FA Cup.

He told www.portsmouthfc.co.uk: 'It will be the strongest side available and the best one for us to win the tie on the day. We’ve had a lot of games in a short space of time, so there is the need for some fresh energy, but we’re going there to progress in the competition.

'I feel for our supporters because it’s a long trip, but I love their commitment to the club and the fact they get behind the players. It’s the luck of the draw and if you want to progress to the latter rounds and get one of the big-boys, you have to come through different kinds of games.

'We have to be prepared to face a good Fleetwood side and by the time Saturday comes around, we will be. There are financial rewards for getting through, but — first and foremost — it’s the footballing reasons were focused on.

'It’s a fantastic competition and one we have a lot of respect for, so we’ll be committed and looking to do well. It’s consistency that we’re really looking for at the moment and making sure we get those finer details right.'

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