Portsmouth FC

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Harry backs returning Utaka

25 Apr 2008 - 07:20:42

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Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is delighted to have striker John Utaka back among his squad after nearly a month out of action with a hamstring injury.

The 26-year-old has scored five goals in 33 appearances since his £7million arrival from Rennes, but has been hampered in recent weeks by a niggling injury.

Redknapp told The News: "It's great to get John back in the team and playing again. He is important to us.

"He's come back from injury but we won't be resting him. He needs to play some games before Wembley.

"He has been up and down to be honest. He started ever-so well for the first few games, then went off the boil a bit. But he has still scored some fantastic goals.

"It's his first year here and he's got to adjust. He's been playing in France and it is a different pace over there.

"He has had to learn how to put a shift in, working up and down that right flank, but he's getting there.

"But John will be here next year, without a doubt and I'm sure he'll produce what we know he's capable of."