Peter Crouch scored twice as Pompey came from behind to beat Everton 2-1 at Fratton Park and breathe new life into their battle for survival.

Portsmouth had started the day out of the bottom three only on goal difference, but moved clear with a hard-fought win.

Goalkeeper David James had suggested some of his team-mates may be playing for a move away from Fratton Park, rather than concentrating on saving the club from relegation.

Hart, though, insists a collective determination to beat the drop is the only thing on his players' minds.

"I work with them every day and have seen desire from every single person around the club to keep the team in the Premier League," declared Hart, in charge until the end of the season.

"The performances only go to show that is the case.

"Everybody has got a job to do, they have responsibilities and when they stick to them, we are a hard team to play against."

Hart added: "This result is only what we deserve for the hard work we have put in over the past five games.

"I am not surprised we got that result, because we have been close, and I can make a case for winning every game we have played.

"It was not the best start, but after the first five minutes, we put everything together and from then on, we were absolutely excellent."

Pompey rallied after conceding an early goal, and Hart said: "You have got to give us some credit for stopping Everton, because prior to us they have been beaten once in 18 games and that was by Manchester United.

"That shows you the magnitude of our performance.

"I am expecting the level of that performance and desire to be maintained from now on.

"If we do our jobs, then we will get the results we deserve."

Hart paid tribute to Crouch, the beanpole striker now back among the goals following his third effort in two games.

"Peter Crouch is a cracking player who has worked his pants off over the last few games for no reward," said Hart.

"His attitude has been first class."

It had all looked so good for Everton when Leighton Baines fired them into a fourth-minute lead with a well-taken free-kick.

Pompey's equaliser on 23 minutes came from a corner which looked like it should have not been awarded, but the home side gratefully accepted with a close-range header from Crouch after Everton failed to clear their lines.

Everton had gone into the game on the back of just one defeat in 18 games as they aimed to keep the pressure on Aston Villa while also seeking to close in again on fourth-placed Arsenal, who now occupy the coveted final Champions League spot.

Manager David Moyes lamented his side's inability to hold onto their advantage.

"When we got in front we should have been going for a second goal instead of handing the initiative back to Portsmouth," he said.

"We lacked spirit and punch throughout the match.

"It was one of those games, I just didn't feel as if I could see those qualities.

"I don't think it should have been a corner in the build-up to their second goal but we still failed to defend it.

"This game has been a big disappointment, but the previous 17 or 18 were not too bad."

Moyes added: "We have had injuries, but every club has had them.

"The squad isn't really big enough but there isn't much I can do about that right now."