HART IS CHASING SOME ANSWERS

Hart has been trying to concentrate on lifting Pompey towards Premier League safety, and a place in the last eight of the Carling Cup, but uncertainty surrounds the future of the club.

Now, ahead of tonight’s Carling Cup clash with Stoke, Hart reckons it is about time Ali Al-Faraj, who owns 90 per cent of Pompey, and 10 per cent stake-holder Sulaiman Al Fahim, clarified the whole situation.

“As a club we need to know the direction things are moving, as well as the long-term plan,” said Hart.

“Everybody is disappointed, but I don’t want to go into that in too much depth until the club has issued a statement.”

Although Hart has been assured his job is safe, it is clear the uncertainty is getting to him, the fans and even to some of his players.

“My job is to keep the players focused on the football side of things, and I have not seen many clear signs that it is affecting them too much,” he said.

“But the supporters care about this club, and have a huge interest in what is going on. The important thing is that they feel safe.”

Hart’s comments come in the wake of an admission by Saudi property tycoon Al-Faraj that he is not the billionaire many thought he was and that he may be at Pompey for only six months.

Hart added: “This game gives us the opportunity to win a match and to take a step nearer Wembley.”

But victory will be made more difficult as Kevin-Prince Boateng, Jamie O’Hara, Tommy Smith and Mike Williamson are cup-tied.