Last Updated: Sun, 04 May 2008 12:47
Harry Redknapp has promised Reading and Birmingham he will not field a weakened Portsmouth team against struggling Fulham next Sunday.
The Pompey boss made the claim when asked if he would give some of his star men a week off so they avoid picking up an injury ahead of the FA Cup final against Cardiff on May 17.
However, Redknapp is well aware that Fulham are still embroiled in a fight for Premier League survival so it would be unfair on their rivals Reading and Birmingham if he did that.
He said: "I wouldn't disrespect the other managers who are in a relegation battle by picking a very, very, very weak team. I wouldn't do that.
"I wouldn't want somebody to do it to me, so I wouldn't do it to them. It's happened in the past, but I think it's disrespectful."
Redknapp fielded a strong side at Middlesbrough on Saturday, but the majority of the team looked like they had one eye on the cup final as they put in a lacklustre display and lost 2-0.
A disappointed Redknapp added: "We started the game well and had two or three opportunities, but couldn't stick them away.
"They've scored from a set piece and we've come in at half time and said what's the point of having markers if they don't mark? Then they've done the exact same thing in the second half.
"The players have got to play well if they want to play in the Cup final. It was disappointing today, very disappointing.
"We need to try to win against Fulham next week. We'll pick a strong team, we owe that to everybody."