Cash strapped Portsmouth are trying to survive until the end of the season and in able to do so have to raise as much money as possible. The administrator has warned in the last 24 hours that they may not be able to fulfil all their fixtures.
Cardiff have helped their cause, and their own, by taking Pompey skipper Liam Lawrence on loan until the end of the season. City will pay a loan fee and cover all of Lawrence's wages. He will be eligable to play in the play offs if Cardiff make them.
Lawrence has over 350 games experience and was part of the Stoke squad that won promotion to the Premier league in 2008. He is a Republic of Ireland international.
“I’m really sad to be leaving Pompey behind for the rest of the season, but if my move can help the club carry on then it’s something I’m willing to do," he told Pompey's official website.
“Despite all the off-the-pitch difficulties I’ve had some fantastic times here, playing for the most amazing set of supporters in the country.
“I’ll miss everyone at Pompey, and just hope that under the leadership of Michael Appleton the boys can pull through and stay in the Championship.”
Blues administrator Trevor Birch said: “It’s very tough to lose Liam but the club is in a grave situation and we have to do everything we can to stay afloat.
“We are receiving a loan fee from Cardiff, who are paying Liam all his wages, so it’s a deal that is going to make a significant difference to us over the coming weeks.”