Praise for Noe & Diop/Krasic linked with Pompey

Noe Pamarot does not play that much these days, but when he does he almost always does a job. Papa Bouba Diop on the other hand perhaps plays too much for some people's liking, but the job he did on Saturday cannot be overlooked, and both have earned praise from Harry Redknapp for performances against Villa.

Pamarot was called in to play at left back to counter the threat of James Milner, and he did exactly that. Whereas Diop played in his more favourable position in the middle of the park, and produced probably his best performance for some time. Both players have been praised, with Redknapp telling The News: 'Noe came in and did a good job for me.

'I brought him in because I thought they might play Milner. Noe is quick and he's strong. He didn't give Milner a kick.

'I thought playing both of the other lads might be a bit too attacking away from home. We played both of them at City and were a bit too cavalier.

'I thought big Papa was excellent.

'He was strong and powerful and won his headers in front of John Carew. He's a good footballer with good ability. I know he will do a good job for us.'

Pamarot seems to be becoming a 'Richard Hughes type' performer, in as much as he might not be the best footballer around, and might not play regularly, but you always know that you will get a performance from him when called upon - and you will get this even if he has not featured for some time! He is certainly a player that I am more than happy to have in our squad, although it looks like we will lose him in the summer as I believe he is out of contract?

Diop has been playing much better this season, and to be fair when played in a central role and not trying wild shots from here, there and everywhere he does do a job. I just wish he would not keep going down so easily, as for such a big man he does this far too much, and every time he does he has to keep going off the field - this then leaves us a man light until he can come back on again, and more often than not there is absolutely nothing wrong with him!

Both have certainly given Redknapp something to think about for our upcoming games against Braga and Fulham - so if others are back does he stick or twist...

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'Transfer links' are proving like buses today, you wait for one and then two come along at once - despite the transfer window being closed, and despite us having no money!

Serbian midfielder Milos Krasic is the latest to be 'linked' with a move to Pompey, with it 'claimed' that the CSKA Moscow man has admitted that a move to England appeals to him - something that has since been denied.

Manyoo have been 'linked' with him, with it claimed they have had the right sided midfielder watched as have we...

We are keeping good company if we are looking at a player that is also interesting Manyoo - the main problem is though how do we compete against them with, let alone without, funds! Maybe the New Year will see things change at Fratton... or maybe we will try and do a swap deal involving John Utaka!

PLAY UP POMPEY!

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