Such has been the England under-21 man's time spent in front of the goggle box, his eyes aren't merely square, they're 32-inch as well.

Not that the defender has had much choice in his unhealthy preference for whiling away the hours.

A broken fibula in his left leg has kept Cranie confined to his Port Solent couch for the past two months.

Sustained while marking his sixth game on loan at QPR, it ended a promising stint which had seen his reputation rocket.

At least yesterday he was finally able to throw away the crutches and aircast as his rehabilitation moved to the next stage.

And the 21-year-old's relishing the opportunity to switch off his television and do something else less boring instead.

He said: 'I managed to get rid of the crutches and cast yesterday, which was a bit of a relief, it was getting boring.

'I couldn't do anything. It was so much hassle trying to get around, so I just sat there at home with my leg up.

'I like to be active – but there's been no chance of doing that, I couldn't do anything.

'In the last few months I must have sat there and watched every DVD you can think of. I have stacks and stacks in my lounge.

'Only the other day I sat through the whole trilogy of Pirates of the Caribbean – in one sitting. All the Rush Hours, Bad Boys. I've seen them all.

'It's not just films, though. I'm also really into Prison Break and 24 – I've got all the box sets. I've had the time to watch them so why not?

'I've even got a PlayStation 3. I must have every game ever made but Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 is my favourite – I'm a top player on it now.

'I know it's not the best way to spend your days but there's nothing else you can really do.

'Before the injury I was probably in the best shape I have been in this season. It was going well – the injury just killed it all. Now I'm just desperate to get back.'

The former Southampton apprentice is now back at the training ground using Pompey's facilities.

And he's targeting a playing return before the season is out.
He added: 'It's coming on well, there have been no setbacks and no pain.

'I've been swimming at David Lloyd since Christmas and now I'm doing a bit of work on the bike. Fingers crossed but it's going well.'