Portsmouth FC

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Harry won't let Niko go

03 Apr 2007 - 08:43:10

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Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp insists he has no intention of letting Croatian midfielder Niko Kranjcar leave Fratton Park in the summer.

The 22-year-old has been restricted to only eight Premiership starts since moving to Pompey from Hajduk Split last August in a £3.5million deal, but scored his first goal for the club in the 1-1 draw at Fulham.

Kranjcar had been linked with a return to Croatia, but Redknapp said: "We've bought him, he's not a loan. He belongs to us.

"I swear I have no idea what we paid for him, but he's a terrific footballer and I'm keen on him and want to keep him.

"He has everything. He can take a knock, has a lovely touch and great skill. He's a good size, six feet tall and strong. I just think he could get himself a bit fitter for next season.

"He plays all the time for Croatia, who are in England's group, as we know. His dad was their coach and took them to World Cup last year before Slaven Bilic took over. Slaven helped us get Niko in the summer.

"I just think he's still adjusting to the pace of the English game which he's never really witnessed before. But he can play. He can put his foot on the ball, pick a pass and, if he shot more, would score goals regularly.

"That was a great strike against Fulham for his first and I've told him he should get more instead of always trying to play people in."