Pompey handed Milan test

Portsmouth have been placed in the same group as 2007 Champions League winners AC Milan following the UEFA Cup draw.

Pompey has been handed one of the most eye-catching draws of the competition in their first year in Europe as reward for qualifying for the group stages, with Heerenveen, SC Braga and Wolfsburg making up the rest of the Group E.

Harry Redknapp's side were always likely to face one of the top seeds in the competition after being being placed in the fourth tier of clubs left but the players and fans are sure to relish a trip to the San Siro Stadium - one of the most famous stadiums in Europe - to take on a side that includes the likes of Kaka and Ronaldinho.

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie was pleased with the draw and told Sky Sports News: 'It is a good group all the way round.

'If you look at the teams there are 40 good sides in the UEFA Cup, it is a tough competition to come through.

'But we will enjoy it and I am sure our fans will pinch themselves thinking Portsmouth Football Club are going to play AC Milan in European competition.'

Pompey are part of a five-team group and will play two opponents at home and the other two away, with the opening games to be played on 23 October.

Three teams from each group qualify for the next knockout round.