91Èȱ¬

Cardiff City have signed Portsmouth captain Liam Lawrence on loan until the end of the season.

The agreement with Portsmouth, who went into administration in February, includes any possible play-off games.

Cash-strapped Pompey will receive a loan fee for the midfielder and the Bluebirds have agreed to pay his wages.

"I'm really sad to be leaving Pompey, but if my move can help the club carry on then it's something I'm willing to do," Lawrence told the .

The Republic of Ireland midfielder, 30, has made 25 appearances for Portsmouth this season.

"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," he continued.

"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."

Pompey administrator Trevor Birch, who also sanctioned the departure of Erik Huseklepp to Birmingham on loan, revealed last week that the crisis-hit club may not be able to complete the Championship season unless there is investment soon.

"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," he said.

"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."

Lawrence said recently the on-going financial problems were having a detrimental effect on the players, who have not been paid since December.

He joined the club on a three-and-a-half year deal in January 2011 after impressing during a loan spell from Stoke City.

Cardiff say Lawrence is "unlikely" to feature in Sunday's league match at home to promotion rivals West Ham United.