Kaboul: Bring on Beattie battle
Younes Kaboul prepared to lock horns with James Beattie and insisted: I'm ready for the fight.
The French defender is determined to underline his status as a fans' favourite by silencing old enemy Beattie, below, on Sunday.
Kaboul goes up against the former Southampton hitman when the Blues tackle Tony Pulis' side at the Britannia Stadium.
Every Pompey fan will be rooting for the 23-year-old to shackle him, especially with Beattie's strong connections with their team's deadly rivals.
He scored both goals in last season's 2-2 draw, just after Paul Hart succeeded Tony Adams.
Kaboul will be going up against Beattie for the first time, as Pompey return to action after the international break.
The in-form former Spurs man is confident he has the weapons in his arsenal to control Beattie's physical threat.
Kaboul said: 'I don't think I've played against him before.
'But I know he's strong and he always likes to fight the defender one versus one.
'But we will work to move out as a defence.
'We know all strikers in this league are good.
'Every week is another test, and this will be a hard one.
'I'm ready for a big fight, that is for sure.
'That is why I'm here.'
As well as stopping Beattie, Pompey will be tasked with handling Rory Delap's notorious long throw-in against the Potters.
Hart's side struggled from set-pieces against Blackburn, but Kaboul believes improved concentration can see them nullify Stoke's threat.
He isn't concerned about the intimidating atmosphere generated by their supporters either.
They picked up a reputation last season as Stoke comfortably survived in the Pre-mier League.
Kaboul said: 'They have the long throw.
'It's very difficult. They score a lot of goals like this.
'So we have to defend well. He (Delap) does it a lot – so if he gets injured it is better for us!
'If you start to win your headers and defend as we can, we can be more comfortable. The atmosphere is good there, but maybe you don't hear what is happening. You just have to make sure you stay more concentrated and foc-used. As a defender, don't concede aw-ay for the first 20 – 25 minutes.
'Then you concentrate and do the maximum to keep it that way.'
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Friday 10 February 2012
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