Portsmouth News 24/7Writer: pompeyrug 
Date:Monday November 12 2007
Time: 9:58AM
UK time is: 14:44:13
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Duo out of Nigerian squad
Harry Redknapp told sky sports after our goalless draw with Man City that Nigerian duo Kanu and John Utaka will not be reporting for international duty this week: 'Kanu's injured again. He won't be reporting to Nigeria for their internationals, because of a hamstring problem and neither will John Utaka who has a groin injury'.
At first I was a little sceptical about Utaka's injury, as it seemed a little 'convenient' and was led to believe it was merely tactical, but if Redknapp says there is a problem, there is...
In all honesty this is a good thing for us isn't it as it means he will not have to fly off around the world and should be fit for Birmingham in a couple of weeks - if he even starts, which maybe he should not, as he has not been that good overall in recent weeks has he, so as much as we did pay a lot of money for him this should not cement a place in the team? Maybe the Matty Taylor and Niko Kranjcar wing options could be looked at again?
Kanu did not look good right away. He did play well whilst he was on the park, but he did not look anywhere near fit throughout really so my thinking is this will set him back further still and although he might be fit for our next game I would not put money on it.
Kanu's injury however did open the door to Dave Nugent, who I feel came on and played very well, looking very hungry too and was desperately unlucky not to score.
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Your Comments
Both injured? the week before international matches? despite playing club matches? Nice bluff Harry.
The Rabbi
the ones with utaka seems a bit suspect to me but kanu did pull up sharpish so dont really doubt his injury tbh...
pompeyrug
Nice one Harry!
NinjaTim
not bothered about utaka, he is not in my good books yet, i am pleased actually, because two player are out, but both are strikers, meaning....super, super dave!
PompeyGleamer
utaka=great when your playing teams and hoping to catch them on the break. in an away game, he is the man oposition teams will want to look out for, as he can rip them to peices - its just a shame that he is more pace less guile. kanu is the exact oposite...with out any pace whatsoever. great chance for nugent and matty to show there steal...
pompeycarpet
hmm. agree that he is good when there is space, but he isnt the main man, if were looking to break down a defence, kranjcar is the man, i dont think utaka has shown his qualitys, and perhaps is overated, aftger the games agaisnt derby and bolton.
PompeyGleamer
not sure about him being overrated, but its good point that his 'better' games have come against - with respect - not the best of teams... its a commonly known thought that he blew hot and cold in france - it looks like he could be doing the same here...
pompeyrug
i do think he is a fantastic footballer tho, so when he fully adapts to the prem he will be another star.
pompeyrug
Makes you wonder how much influence the club have on injuries or whether the players can't be bothered - Sounds odd I know, given that Pompey are better off with them not going but I hope they are both gutted... I would hate it if Pompey became one of those clubs who try to put themselves in front of a player playing for his country. If we sign internationals we have to respect their committments to their country ... how would we feel if Rooney and Owen didn't play after taking a little' knock ...
Chix
we should be thanking god that benjani is not injured because he is the only surviving african striker we have,if he or nugent gets injured there will be confusion for harry.likewise the two injured players are from my country and we have automatically lost two strikers for our friendly.
tozopompey
agreed Chix, we sign these players knowing full well they will have to fly off here, there and everywhere so as much as from a pompey point of view our need is greater, it should never come ahead of anothers pride and desire to play for his country should it...
pompeyrug
tozopompey, how does that make you feel - kanu and utaka pulling out the nigerian squad - do you believe that both are as badly 'injured' as it might seem to force them out of the internationals? nigeria will be okay without then tho i guess?
pompeyrug
nigerias strike forces is awesome, utaka and kanu drop out. replace them with super eagle yak and martins
PompeyGleamer
altho i would expect he will be now...
pompeyrug
yak wasnt even in that squad tho was he?
pompeyrug
Living in Liverpool and amongst Everton fans they are not convinced by the Yak, and they think he is cruising and not putting the effort in.
I dont think they would be that unhappy if he was sold on.
Owenspompey
What a shame. Pointless friendly anyway, nuff said.
storagematt
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