SYLVAIN Distin believes inconsistent Portsmouth need to rediscover some form against Middlesbrough today or face an upset in the FA Cup final.

Since beating West Brom in last month's semi-final, Harry Redknapp's side have won just one of their last four games and slipped out of the reckoning for fifth spot and automatic qualification for the UEFA Cup.

Victory over the Bluebirds will ensure a first ever season in Europe but French defender Distin is concerned Pompey's recent plight could affect their performance on the big day.

Distin said: It is important we get a reaction from the side after three games when we have not been good enough.

We have to react now because we cannot expect to play four or five bad games and then raise the tempo just for the final.

It is hard because everybody has a different reaction to the cup final. Some feel like they need to rest for it, some feel like they need to carry on.

I cannot talk for the team but for me I do not think about it, I focus on the league. That is more important.

Maybe the motivation is not altogether at the moment because we are not playing well, that is my point of view. I am not pointing at one or two players, it is the general feeling."

Pompey travel to the Riverside with Redknapp in bullish mood after blasting the Welsh FA for overturning Cardiff captain Darren Purse's three-match ban following his red card against Burnley last weekend.

Purse would have missed the cup final after being dismissed for a challenge on Andy Cole that left the striker needing ten stitches in a leg wound.

Redknapp is incensed and said: We would not get any help at all, would we? We would get a player banned and that would be it, there is nothing you can do about it.

I do not want to see the boy missing the FA Cup final but it is a bit farcical. I read Andy Cole said it was the worst tackle he had ever received.

Cardiff play in the English league, play in the English cup, want to qualify to represent England in the UEFA Cup and then when they get a player sent off it goes before the Welsh FA.

I am not making a big fuss of it, it makes no difference to me if he plays or not. You just want the same rules for everybody.''