Portsmouth's £3million midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has put club before country by opting out of an international friendly against Guinea and a Senegal training camp to rest a damaged hamstring.

Diop, signed from Fulham last month and already a big favourite with the Fratton Park fans after playing a key role in a four-match winning run, told Pompey's official website: "I'm just too tired."

The 29-year-old, who had to come off early with a tight hamstring during the 2-0 win over his old club at Craven Cottage a week last Sunday, explained: "It is only a small injury and I should be fine for next game against Wigan (on Saturday).

"But I thought it was good for me, and good for the team to have some time off rather than go away with the national side.

"I want to be able to give my best for Portsmouth and sometimes you need a rest to be able to do that."