Avram Grant is confident that he can help Portsmouth move away from the foot of the Premier League table, having taken charge at Fratton Park following the exit of former manager Paul Hart.

Grant is still technical director at Pompey, with his confirmation as manager having to wait until next week at the earliest, but he will be in charge of team affairs against Manchester United this weekend.

He told reporters:"I came here as director of football and I think that's a very important position in clubs.

"I did the job when I came in 2006 – it was good for me and the club, I enjoyed it very much. I came to help the club and I'm happy to do it also now.

"I need to do a good job because the team are not in a good position. I love this club.

"I've have had many situations in my life. Chelsea was different – I went there when they were in a bit of a crisis, they were on the way down and the result was good in the end.

"I think the spirit of the team and the atmosphere are good, they are trying to play good football.

"There have been good results in the last month compared to before, but what's happened has happened and I'm looking forward to the next game.

"I think the squad is good enough to take us from the bottom, but we need some players who can improve us and also the African Cup of Nations is coming, so some players will not be around for a month and we need to think about that."

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