VELIMIR ZAJEC, the new executive director at Pompey, has revealed that he WILL be working with the Pompey first team.

Former Panathinaikos director of football Zajec paid his first visit to Pompey's Eastleigh training ground yesterday, while Harry Redknapp was preparing his side for tomorrow's tea-time clash against Manchester City at Fratton Park.

Croat Zajec, 48, was installed as Pompey's new executive director earlier this week, a move that had Redknapp's blessing after the Pompey boss had discussed the appointment with chairman Milan Mandaric.

Zajec said: "I am planning to stay three or four years and will be helping with everything.

"My responsibility is to help the club move forward, we are trying to take the club to a higher level and I will be helping with the building of the academy, with the first team - everything."

Redknapp had admitted that he had considered his future before agreeing to the appointment of Zajec.

Yesterday he refused to talk about the new arrival, but Zajec has denied there is a problem.

He added: "I've had a very good conversation with Harry, he is a good manager and it is easier to work with someone that has his knowledge, experience and results.

"I don't see why we can't go another step together and go forward. I shall be happy to co-operate with him."

Lomana Lua Lua expects to shrug off the groin injury that he suffered against Saints last week to partner Ricardo Fuller in attack - but he may have to wear a mask to protect the nose he broke in his collision with Andreas Jakobsson.

He said: "I'm not worried, I play football with my legs not my nose but we've let ourselves down recently so this is a good chance to put that right."