WIGAN Athletic keeper John Filan undergoes groin surgery this week but still hopes to be included in Australia's World Cup squad.

Filan will not play in Wigan's remaining two Premiership games but should recover in time to be with the Aussie squad in Germany if selected.

Filan's injury is a blow for the Australian coaching staff because first choice keeper - Middlesbrough's Mark Schwarzer - has suffered a fractured cheekbone.

Filan is strongly tipped to be one of three keepers called up and is keen to be involved.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth will have 5,000 fans at the JJB Stadium on Saturday for a match Harry Redknapp's team must win to ease relegation fears.

Redknapp watched Wigan lose at Fulham on Monday night and saw Wigan midfield star Jimmy Bullard, the man he signed from non-league Gravesend when he was in charge of West Ham.

Harry rates Bullard and says: "Jimmy and Wigan have had a fantastic season. Things didn't work out for him at West Ham but he has certainly come into his own since.

"He gets up and down the pitch and Wigan are a good side - they are where they are in the table on merit.

"They will be tough opponents because they play very well as a team."

A broken collarbone for Wigan skipper Arjen De Zeeuw means he misses a return against his former club.

Redknapp labels the Dutchman among the best central defenders in the Premiership.

Wigan striker Jason Roberts also had a brief spell on loan at Portsmouth. Tweet