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Sturrock: Hoping to feature against the FA Cup holders

Blair Sturrock believes Swindon Town can match FA Cup winners Portsmouth tonight as their pre-season preparations gather pace.

Harry Redknapp's side visit the County Ground on Friday with new £11million striker Peter Crouch likely to figure in a strong line up.

But Niko Kranjcar, Lassana Diarra will not feature after being given extra time off following Euro 2008.

Cup hero Kanu and John Utaka will also miss the County Ground showpiece after games with Nigeria over the summer.

Maurice Malpas' Robins arrived back from the tour of Austria on Wednesday and Sturrock believes they can excel. "I spoke to a few of the boys while they have been out and they have been working hard and performing well," he said.

"They've got a couple of draws against a couple of big teams which have been good results.

"We can match them for fitness and but we have just got to have that little bit of ability which pops out during the game."

The 26-year-old is a doubt for the clash after missing the three game tour of Austria with a wrist injury.

He has been training, alongside Barry Corr, with the youth team and says he hasn't lost any ground on his teammates.

He said: "It's been fine, the training sessions have been pretty difficult, there have been quite a few double sessions and it's hard work.

"I've got a cast I can take on and off for training and I have been doing weights so there is a little bit of strength in it."

6:00am Friday 18th July 2008

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