Kanu to the rescue!

Kanu is to return to the 1st team tonight for the first time since the FA cup final, and he has told The News that he is the man to help banish the memories of the weekend: 'it's been a long time but the most important thing is I have played and hopefully I can play against Chelsea.

'It's always difficult when you are injured and trying to get back but the knee is okay now.

'I've been training twice a day and played for the reserves. Everything is going now as planned and I think I am ready to go.

'It's been frustrating because every player wants to be on that pitch but an injury's an injury. You can't do anything about it, you have to work hard to get back.

The 32-year-old, I still find it hard to believe that he is only 32, played 90 minutes in a reserve match last week - his first football, other than a 45 minute outing in the reserves, since our pre-season game in Nigerian in the summer - and he feels he still has an important part to play for the club: 'I will give 100 per cent every time. I've had my first 90 minutes and it is all good, everything is fine.

'I must get back into the first team now I am fit and I hope I will be there. I've got more to offer for this club and it is not yet finished.

'Kanu is coming back.'

Credit where due, I like Kanu's attitude here so lets hope we see some actions following these words. Although he will do well to get much of a look-in this season, but still has something to offer us, so long as he is used in the right way - with that way being from the bench more often than not.

It will be a much changed side tonight, and whatever side we put out against Chelski it would be tough, but we could still beat them. My main hopes are that we restore some pride and the players at least perform as if they are interested.

After the debacle at Citeh, if those that come in perform then they 'should' - at least in theory - have a chance at retaining a place against Spurs at the weekend...

PLAY UP POMPEY!



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