GEORGI KINKLADZE is considering playing two games in two days if it means helping Manchester City in their hour of need. The brilliant midfielder had been written out of boss Joe Royle's plans for their day of destiny clash at Stoke, but Kinky claims he can come flying to the rescue. As City contemplate the most important game in their 104-year history - one which could see them relegated to third class football for the first time ever even if they win - the Georgian has been forced to fly to Tunisia for a friendly international scheduled for Saturday. It is a major blow for City, having re-introduced their superstar to the relegation fray last weekend for the first time after six weeks of supposed attitude problems, injuries and transfer negotiations with Ajax. City could still be relegated if Port Vale win at Huddersfield and Portsmouth truimph at Bradford, but Kinkladze proved that he could be their potential match-winner after scoring with a wonder free kick in the 2-2 draw against QPR last week. He has spent the week training with City as the Maine Road club tried to win his release from international duty. Their hopes were killed off earlier when Kinkladze was instructed to fly to Tunis, but before he left on the 2.00pm flight on Friday, there was some hope that he could be back for the Sunday lunchtime collision at a 28,000 sell out Britannia Ground. Kinkladze said: I have to play for Georgia, that is their decision. But if I can I will come back on Sunday morning, maybe in time for the match. It's possible for me to play two games in two days. Meanwhile, City captain Jamie Pollock has promised to sweat blood for the club to wipe away the memory of his horrific own goal against QPR last week. He said: We'll scrap all the way - nothing will change that. We'll fight, stick our chests out and be brave. I know I've let everyone down with my own goal, but I'm determined to see this right through to the end and nobody will give up until the final whistle at Stoke. "I honestly still believe we can get out of this mess and every player will go to Stoke with that attitude. Anything can happen on the final day and we won't give up. Our destiny now rests in the hands of other clubs, but we must get three points and make it hard for everyone else around us. Stoke, themselves fighting for their lives after being seemingly dead and buried just two weeks ago, may well have something to say about that.

CREDIT BALL FOR POMPEY REVIVAL Bradford City v Portsmouth   DEFENDER Adrian Whitbread is convinced Alan Ball's motivational powers will see Portsmouth to safety in Sunday's final game of the season. Ball's side, deep in relegation trouble, visit Bradford needing a victory to ensure survival and Whitbread credits the manager, who has just signed a four-year contract, with giving the seaside club any chance of avoiding the drop. Portsmouth were rock bottom of the First Division when the former Stoke and Manchester City boss succeeded Terry Fenwick on January 26 to begin his second spell in charge at Fratton Park. Since then, they have won six and drawn five of 18 matches to give themselves a survival lifeline. Whitbread insisted: "Nothing was happening under the previous management, but when Alan Ball arrived it all changed. He restored a bit of passion that wasn't there before. "The fans were disgusted with what had been going on off the pitch until he arrived. All of a sudden, there was much more commitment from players and supporters. It spread from the manager. He's good tactically but his main asset is the ability to raise spirits and keep them high. He demands that players show the same spirit and passion as him. "Obviously, this has been a poor season for us and all the backroom changes haven't helped. But players get paid decent money and should be capable of putting things like that out of their minds when they get onto the pitch." A win at Valley Parade will make Pompey safe, while a draw will be enough if the match between fellow strugglers Stoke and Manchester City ends the same way.

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