Portsmouth FC

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Kranjcar return to lift Pompey

14 Oct 2008 - 14:28:59

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Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp believes injured midfielder Niko Kranjcar could be back in action by the end of the month.

The Croatia international has been sidelined since damaging ankle ligaments in the second week of the season.

On-loan duo Nadir Belhadj and Armand Traore have deputised for Kranjcar in his absence, but Redknapp is relishing the prospect of inking the name of the winger onto his team-sheet again.

"Niko is coming back, hopefully by the back end of the month, which is a big bonus for us," he told the Portsmouth News.

"He's a top, top player in my opinion and there will always be a role for him in my team, no doubt about that.

"The lad is a cracking footballer. I just have to get him fit and then look at getting him into the team.

"Someone like Niko makes you stronger. He's an international player, a quality performer on the world stage and any manager would want him in their team.

"He can create something out of nothing, come up with a bit of magic that no-one else can.

"The lad gives us options but first I just want to get him fit and then see what happens."