Cotterill took charge at Fratton Park in June

Portsmouth manager Steve Cotterill says he is no longer able to select Richard Hughes or Michael Brown because of clauses in the midfielders' contracts.

Hughes, 31, was left out of the side that beat Norwich on Saturday because he is entitled to a new deal if he makes another Pompey appearance.

Brown, 33, is in the same situation after playing in the 2-0 win.

"Unfortunately it's the situation I've inherited. It's poor but that's where I am," Cotterill told BBC Radio Solent.

"I don't do the contracts and I don't dish out how much money goes to who and where.

606: DEBATE Hughes will be no loss but Brown is more of a blow 95% of the Universe

"It's been tough not having Richard Hughes and I'm going to need him in the coming weeks. Michael Brown is in the same situation."

Financial restrictions have hampered Pompey for the past year, although the club was sold in October after the Football League gave its backing to a deal to take the club out of administration.

However, the club must still submit monthly financial reports to the League, who must approve all transfer deals.

Former Sheffield United, Fulham and Manchester City man Brown moved to Fratton Park from Wigan in August 2009 and has made 23 appearances for Pompey this season.

Hughes, who made the move along the south coast from Bournemouth in 2002, has featured 13 times this term.

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