Pompey sign Riise

Bjorn Helge Riise has joined until November, a midfielder mainly, also operating down the right flank, news broke through the official outlet, details of which are below

Pompey have signed Bjorn Helge Riise on loan from Fulham.

The 28-year-old midfielder has initially joined Pompey until the international break in November.

The Norwegian international is the brother of former Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise.

Blues boss Steve Cotterill said: "He's a central midfielder who can also play on the right side.

"He's energetic, a good footballer and has played 31 times for his country. He played on loan for Sheffield United against us last season and did very well.

"We`ve got several midweek games and we may need to shuffle the pack so he will help us out."

Riise has made 35 appearances for Fulham and spent time on loan at Sheffield United last season.

John Arne Riise is also at Fulham and the pair faced each other in two Europa League matches when John was at Roma two seasons ago.

Riise has scored one goal for Norway, in a Euro 2008 qualifying victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2007.

Bjorn Helge Riise is hoping he can supply the goals to fire Pompey up the table.

The Norwegian international midfielder - who will wear the number 20 shirt - has just arrived on an emergency loan from Premier League Fulham.

He is hoping to get regular first-team football after struggling to break into the Cottagers side this season.

Riise has only featured in four Europa League qualifying round games for Martin Jol`s men, but he is not taking a place in the Blues side for granted.

The 28-year-old said: "It`s nice to be here at a good club. I played against Pompey last year and I know it`s a big club that want to get back to the Premier League.

"I was injured in pre-season and when I got back to fitness I could see that I wasn`t going to play much at Fulham.

"Like every footballer I just want to play games, so I`m looking forward to getting out on the pitch and showing what I can do.

"I jumped at the chance to come here, hopefully play regular games and try to bring something different to the side.

"My first job is to get into the side. That`s not going to be easy because there are a lot of good players at this club.

"It's a team full of great players - I could see that from my first training session here.

But hopefully I can earn a place in the side and then use my ability to create some goals."

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