Source: SKY_Sports
Cranie ready to fill void
Martin Cranie is relishing the challenge of stepping into Glen Johnson's boots at Portsmouth.[LNB] The talented full-back is currently away on international duty with England at the European U21 Championship but has been keeping tabs on events at Fratton Park.[LNB]The biggest story to emerge from the South Coast during his time in Sweden regards Johnson's big-money move to Liverpool, a departure which has left a vacancy within Pompey's back four.[LNB]Despite seeing his first-team opportunities limited since arriving at the club from Southampton in 2007, Cranie is adamant that he is up to filling the void.[LNB]His recent performances for the Young Lions suggest he could be right and the 22-year-old admits he cannot wait to show Pompey's new boss, whoever that may be, what he is capable of. [LNB]"Being in Sweden, I have not really heard that much about what's going on at the club," he told The News.[LNB]Regular games"I've just been catching the late news, getting the papers a couple of days later, but I did eventually hear about Glen. I think people have been expecting it.[LNB]"Obviously there's an opportunity at right-back now and I am hoping to get my chance and show what I can do. I am not going to say too much at the moment. I'm just going to get my head down and work hard when pre-season starts.[LNB]"I think it's done me a lot of good getting regular games for the England U21s. We are playing well and hopefully can reach the final.[LNB]"In the past it hasn't helped me at Portsmouth not playing too many games. There have been a few different managers since I've been at the club and I don't know who is going to be in charge next season. The situation is very unclear.[LNB]"All I can do is show what I can do when pre-season starts and take it from there.[LNB]"I'm going to get my head down, roll up my sleeves and work hard - that's all I can do."[LNB]
