Distin demands competition
20 Jul 2007 - 14:53:20
New Portsmouth signing Sylvain Distin has warned the club's established central defensive partnership that he hasn't arrived at Fratton Park to sit on the bench.
The 29-year-old Frenchman joined Pompey on a free transfer following the end of his contract at Manchester City and is looking to oust either Sol Campbell or Linvoy Primus from the starting line-up.
"I am not here to sit on the bench," he told the club's official website.
"There is going to be a lot of competition, but as long as it is healthy that can only be good for the team - it will only force people to play better and that can only push Portsmouth higher up the table.
"When I came here I knew that Sol and Linvoy had a really good partnership, so I knew it would be difficult to break into the team - but I am here just to do that."
Meanwhile, Distin has targeted a European place in his first season at the South Coast club.
Last season Pompey missed out on a UEFA Cup spot after a late slump in form, but the former Newcastle and Paris St Germain centre-half believes they can go one better this year.
"Maybe other players have different targets, but mine is for Portsmouth to get into Europe," he continued.
"I know it is going to be very difficult because realistically there are only one or two places that the majority of the Premier League sides are competing for.
"It is going to be tough but it is something we can do."