Portsmouth Football Club News

• Nickname:Pompey
• Founded:1898
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

Kanu debut delights Harry

21 Aug 2006 - 11:25:48

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Portsmouth new boy Nwankwo Kanu won high praise from Pompey manager Harry Redknapp after a two-goal debut in the 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Fratton Park.

The former West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal striker could have gone on to bag a hat-trick against Rovers, missing a late spot-kick, but Redknapp was more than happy with Kanu's efforts.

He said: "The big man's a terrific free transfer. He can hold the ball up and do things.

"I am still looking for players and I believe we need to sign at least four more before the deadline, but we have a terrific free transfer in Kanu and he showed all his old skills.

"Bryan Robson wanted to keep him at West Brom and he could have gone to Hamburg and played in the Champions League, but we've managed to sign him and I'm delighted.

"Kanu hasn't trained all summer and Benjani (Mwaruwari) has missed pre-season with a groin injury, so I thought I'd take a chance and leave Kanu on the bench and give him half a game."