Primus set for new Pompey deal

The arrival of Sylvain Distin cast a few shadows over the future of Linvoy Primus and I worried that perhaps he could find it hard to retain a first team place - despite being our best defender last season and in recent years full stop - but it appears he is very much in Harry Redknapp's plans as he is set to commit his future to the club.

His agent - John Mac - has told The News he expects Linvoy to sign a new 2-year deal in the coming weeks.

'Negotiations are ongoing and I cannot see any problems so far. We are hopeful of concluding everything in the next few weeks.

'Linvoy was probably Portsmouth's most consistent player last season. He is still hungry for success and extremely dedicated.

'He's a role model to everybody - a fantastic professional.'

Linvoy certainly is a role model and is someone any young aspiring pro could and should look to for guidance and inspiration - and he would have the time for you too - as he never gave up when people wrote him off and has reaped the benefits.

Since arriving from Reading as a somewhat unknown on a free transfer in 2000 Linvoy has not always found first team football easy to come by - however, he only missed two league matches last season - but has never let us down when called upon and this will continue next season.

My first choice pairing would still be Linvoy and Sol Campbell but with the rigours of the premiership - and hopefully extended cup runs - we will need to keep players fresh so I would expect rotation between Linvoy, Sol and Distin as none are the youngest of footballers anymore are they - but all three still have plenty to offer.

PLAY UP POMPEY!

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