The Nigerian is fighting to be fit for this Sunday's clash against Joe Kinnear's side at Fratton Park.

Utaka hasn't played since the 2-2 draw against Hull last month as he recovers from a thigh problem.

But he is battling back in a bid to fill the Blues' troublesome right-sideposition.

Niko Kranjcar was shifted from there midway through the first-half against West Brom on Sunday.

Papa Bouba Diop is suspended this weekend, meaning Tony Adams has a shortage of players who can fill the role.

Utaka said: 'It's going well and I hope to be okay in a couple of days.

'I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will be okay for Newcastle on Sunday.

'It's not a hip injury like people have said. It's a thigh injury but it's at the front of the thigh.

'The pain is on the inside of the muscle.

'It is a little sore but I hope for it to be okay.'

Despite having his eye on a weekend return, Utaka insists he won't risk playing unless he is totally fit.

He feels he can't afford to make the injury worse with Pompey about to enter the frantic Christmas period.

Utaka said: 'I've already finished all the physical rehabilitation like the running.

'But when I kick the ball I feel the pain a little bit.

'It's not completely gone. I feel it is better to know it's completely gone before I come back.'

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