Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp believes the club can mount a concerted challenge for European football, which will undoubtedly be built on the back of the current form of two of his star performers.

England goalkeeper David James and France midfielder Lassana Diarra are both at the very top of their games and the pair were influential in securing an undeserved victory at Bolton on Saturday.

James repelled the Wanderers' attack single-handedly for the entire match, allowing his team-mate to snatch a win with a fortuitous goal 10 minutes from time.

Those are the kind of results which turn good campaigns into successful ones and Redknapp knows if his side can keep picking up bonus points they will remain on track for the UEFA Cup at the very least.

"We have played the big four (Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool) home and away so we don't have to play them any more," said the Pompey boss.

"We have got some decent enough fixtures that could give us a chance if we go on a good run and get all the lads back.

"It is going to be tight; Villa are winning and Everton keep winning."

Goalkeeper James recorded his 11th clean sheet of the season with a string of saves, one of his best coming in the fourth minute of added time when he denied Bolton substitute Tamir Cohen with a stunning reflex stop.

Redknapp had nothing but praise for the 37-year-old England international.

"Incredible goalkeeper, amazing really. That was some save (from Cohen). He is different class," said Redknapp.

"I think his decision making is much better than when he was younger and I have never seen anyone train as hard as him, so dedicated and professional in what he does."

Diarra has been a revelation since his January move from Arsenal, and the defensive midfielder scored his second goal in five matches for his new club.

He was the architect and finisher of the move which brought the goal, although he benefited from a generous decision from the assistant referee.

Defender Andy O'Brien's tackle bounced back off Kanu to Diarra who was yards offside but with the official thinking the last touch had been from the Bolton player he did not raise his flag and the Frenchman fired home.

"He is such a special player," said Redknapp.

"He is out of the top drawer. You don't play in the French national team every game for the last 11 games if you are not a top player," he said.

"The kid is just 22 and he is an amazing player. He will go on to be one of the best midfield players in Europe, without a doubt.

"I have worked up there with some good players and he is right up there with the best of them."

Diarra caused some consternation after he joined Pompey when he was quoted as saying he wanted to play for a big club in the future.

But rather than be disappointed by that attitude, Redknapp saw it as a positive.

"I think some players kiss the badge and say they love it and then as soon as they get an opportunity they disappear," he added.

"He came out and said he eventually wants to play at a big club. He wants to play for Real Madrid, AC Milan or Barcelona one day.

"So what. Surely you have to be ambitious in this game haven't you?

"I don't see any problem with that if he comes here for the next few years and plays like he is playing - I will be delighted."

Bolton manager Gary Megson was also keen to accentuate the positives despite seeing his side dominate for 90 minutes yet fail to score.

One of the chief culprits was former Pompey midfielder Matt Taylor, a January transfer, who had four or five chances - missing one from five yards with the goal at his mercy.

"Since I've been here that is the best we have played in terms of possession," said Megson.

"No-one is blaming him (Taylor). It was a poor miss but he was in there.

"He has been in there three or four times and we are focusing on the fact he has not taken one of those chances but someone without a big heart would stay out wide and not get on the end of those.

"On a better day he could have two or three (goals). He will accept the one he did miss was a poor miss but there are no recriminations from us."

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