Ciftci has international options

Nadir Ciftci has kind of slipped away from the 1st team picture in recent times since Steve Cotterill has been able to bring in a player or two.

This however has not prevented the teenager from being courted by others on the international stage...

A Holland native by birth, the 18-year-old has played for them at U16 and U18 level although he holds due nationality and has the option of playing for Turkey, which is something that his countryman Guus Hiddink is 'said' to want him to do having taken an interest in Ciftci.

By all accounts Hiddink has held talks with him and watched him in Monday's friendly win over Havant.

I like the guy, and think that he is a talent - lets face it is Hiddink thinks so then he cannot be bad can he as Hiddink has been around the block a few times and knows a player when he sees one!

He still has things to learn, and MUST learn that a fancy flick or trick is not always needed - sometimes 'less is more' as the saying goes and the simple things can be more effective. At 18 he still has a lot of time ahead of him, lets just hope that his development remains at Fratton, although the chances of a loan spell away are still high, not that I think I would do this, even though I could see the benefits of him playing week-in-week-out of course.

I 'think' his contract only runs until the summer so I firmly believe that it is essential that we tie him down long-term, and as soon as possible.

PLAY UP POMPEY!

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