Last Updated: Tue, 06 May 2008 11:59
Defender Sylvain Distin claims he has been playing the best football of his career during his first season with Portsmouth.
The 30-year-old Frenchman joined Pompey from Manchester City on a free transfer last summer and has formed a formidable partnership alongside Sol Campbell at the heart of the side's defence as they have equalled the club record for clean sheets.
The pair have been influential in Pompey's march to the FA Cup final and a top-10 Premier League finish this season with Distin claiming he has not played better stuff in seven years of English football.
He told The News: "I've settled down pretty quickly with the team. The changing room has a great atmosphere, the players have helped a lot and the staff also.
"I have felt good on the pitch. I feel I'm getting old because in the morning I am feeling a bit stiff but apart from that I feel fine. I've missed two games, so physically I have managed to keep fit.
"Performance wise, this has been my best season.
"I actually think I am more consistent. I have had maybe one or two difficult games but altogether I think I have been more consistent than in the past.
"I used to lose my concentration once or twice sometimes and make a big mistake - then I would have two or three good games. At the moment I think I'm a bit more focused.
"I'm 30 now so I'm also bit more mature. I've got a bit more experience and that helps.
"I am at the point in my career when I'm not waiting for anything. I'm not playing for any top-four club so I don't have the pressure like you feel you have to succeed.
"For me, consistency is the main thing and that has helped me do more here in one season than I did in five with Manchester City."