Dindane needs games - Grant

Avram Grant is optimistic Lens will allow Aruna Dindane to feature in Portsmouth's Barclays Premier League run-in to ensure he is at his best for the FA Cup final.

Dindane last appeared in Pompey colours during the team's 2-0 triumph over Tottenham in Sunday's semi-final at Wembley. But the Ivory Coast international is unable to play against Aston Villa on Sunday as it would trigger a clause in his loan deal with Lens, which would force cash-strapped Pompey to pay the French side £4million.

But Grant feels Dindane would benefit from getting some matches under his belt before the south-coast club take on Chelsea next month, and said: "I hope Lens will be reasonable and let him play."

He added: "Many things that happened last Sunday were a miracle. Players played after two months out and they had to play for 120 minutes.

"Aruna Dindane was one of those who came back, but I don't think it can happen twice for the final. We need Aruna to play a few games before."

With Lens likely to offload Dindane in the summer and the player competing for a spot in the Ivory Coast's World Cup squad, Grant is optimistic an agreement can be reached with his parent club to allow him to turn out before the cup final.

He added: "I think it can only be good for the club and the player. He is going to play in the World Cup as well.

"I think they will be reasonable and let him play. Why not? I don't see any reason why not.

"I hope I'll be able to use him but you can't be confident with anything off the field at this club."