Perrin: Desire cost us

Alain Perrin believes West Brom's desire was the key to The Baggies staying up.

The French tactician was pleased with his side's display for an hour till goals from Geoff Horsfield and Kieran Richardson changed the course of the game.

With other results going West Brom's way, Bryan Robson's side secured their Premiership status with the 2-0 victory at The Hawthorns.

"Before the game I talked to the players and the situation of the other clubs. Our problem was to take some points and to improve our position in the table," said Perrin.

"I think today we wanted to do something, we played well, but after an hour the desire from West Brom was more.

"So the players are disappointed in the dressing room. We were focussed and wanted to get a good result."

Meanwhile, Perrin confirmed Aiyegbeni Yakubu was left out of Pompey's line-up so that he did not collect an injury.

The striker has been linked with a move to Middlesbrough and the club did not want to risk the Nigeria international sustaining a knock.

"He [Yakubu] knows he has some proposals," added Perrin.

"I think it was better for him not to play and to avoid injury.

"There is a very good chance [of a deal] and we should know more in the next few days."