The Barclays Premier League basement boys head to Wembley tomorrow for their FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham, knowing by then their relegation from the top flight could already be confirmed.

But despite all of the difficulties which have beset the Israeli coach since stepping into the Fratton Park hotseat in November 2009, Grant continues to remain upbeat.

"For any season for Portsmouth to be in the semi-final of the FA Cup would be special, but in this season it is more special," Grant said.

"Compared to all of the other difficulties we have had, this is much easier.

"I have always believed, because this is the strength of football and why everyone loves it. Anything can happen.

"We are not going to Wembley just to watch. We want to be part of a good game."

Grant has seen his crippling injury list improve during the last week, with the likes of Hassan Yebda, Kevin Prince Boateng, Nadir Belhadj, Papa Bouba Diop and Tommy Smith all pushing to be in contention at Wembley, while England goalkeeper David James has shrugged off a calf problem.

However, administrator Andrew Andronikou has revealed several Pompey players may not be available because of expensive clauses being triggered in their contracts, although Aruna Dindane can return to the squad as the Ivory Coast striker has at least one more game before Pompey would have to make his loan move from Lens a £4million permanent switch.

Whichever side Grant is able to send out at Wembley, the Pompey boss is in no doubt they will give the required performance.

"We have continued to play for pride and that has been great," he said.

"When you test the character of people, it is when they are not in a very good situation.

"But everyone here, the players, the staff and the fans, make me feel a lot of pride.

"You can be the best player in the world, but if you do not have fighting spirit, you will not succeed."

Grant praised Pompey's fans for their continued support through a period when the very existence of the club was put in doubt.

"What I have already said about our fans is not enough, they are the best in the country," he said.

"They support us and give us a lot of passion. I am very proud of them and they can come to Wembley with a lot of pride.

"Sometimes people say that the fans are the 12th player, but for us they are more important than that."

Despite his obvious passion for the club and city, Grant admits had he known then what he does now, the decision to move back into the hotseat at Fratton Park would perhaps not have been straightforward.

He said: "On the football side, of course I wouldn't have taken the job. The answer is very clear, to work like this, no way.

"But there were so many good things also in the picture, about the city and off the pitch.

"Even to continue was not an easy decision, but I am happy I took it, even in this situation."