Kitson told to fight for his place
8/1/2012 (SPORT) Portsmouth FC v Chelsea FC match, which took place on Sunday 8th January at Stamford Bridge. Pictured is: Portsmouth's Dave Kitson during the match. Picture: Sarah Standing (120042-8236)
Dave Kitson has been warned: You’ll have to fight to win your place back.
The Pompey forward was axed from the side which won 3-0 at Peterborough last time out after a run of 11 games without a goal.
He is expected to be on the bench again for tonight’s trip to Birmingham City.
Blues boss Michael Appleton opted to go with Marko Futacs, with Erik Huseklepp switched to the withdrawn role behind the striker, at Peterborough.
And Appleton admits Kitson’s lack of goals had played a part in his decision.
He said: ‘The young lad (Futacs) is scoring goals and Kits is struggling to find the back of the net so it wasn’t really a difficult decision.
‘He (Kitson) was fine. He completely understood.
‘The role that he’s played has been mixed up, especially since Marko came into the team.
‘So it would probably be more of a concern for Kits than it is for me that he hasn’t scored because when he does play that role, he brings more to his game rather than just goalscoring.
‘Goalscorers thrive on goals but he will probably tell you he’s a midfield player these days.
‘Whether he starts or he’s on the bench, he is fully focused and he knows the job we want from him. Whether he gets an opportunity and takes it, time will tell.’
Appleton insists the former Stoke man will get his chance again, with the Pompey boss aware that Futacs will need a breather at some stage.
Appleton said: ‘There will be a stage when Marko hits a brick wall and he won’t be able to do anything right. His touch will be all over the place and he won’t be able to hit a barn door.
‘That will be nothing to do with him but it’s what happens to young players.
‘That will be the right time to bring him out and put someone experienced in there.
‘I don’t think we need to do that at the minute, though.’
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Comments
There are 15 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
paul-philippines
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 07:30 PMBe great to get an away win to break Brum's unbeaten record. Attack, Attack, Attack. PUP.
paul-philippines
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 07:20 PMI'm well Happy with Appy. Pompey win at Brum would be great. PUP.
PUPPPU
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 06:54 PMLet's go and get a better result than a certain other team that shall remain nameless.
MattyPUPPTIDc MattyC
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 05:44 PMPost 6 was not me BTW................. although I do agree to a certain extent, LMAO
PFC4Life
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 05:13 PMant If plan b happens and I really hope it doesn't come to that we won't be keeping anyone not even Kitson. Agreed LI Kitson is always working hard and has had some good Link up play with Futacs, wouldn't want to loose him.
LI 125
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 05:00 PMHow many games have you been to this season Matty ? Not many I reckon because it it widely acknowledged that Kitson has worked tirelessly for the good of the team.
ant30
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 03:58 PMBe fair,there's a good case to keep Kits - if Plan B happens then he could still be a decent squad player
chunky39 was 37
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 03:49 PMHarsh Mattyc (is it the real Mattyc?) - I like Kits we played well when he was playing with Futacs even if he wasnt scoring many himself. But I like the fact we have options up front - look forward to Varney and Norris back too.. Like khodgkins I cant see much from tonight but always hoping and look foward to football for a change, win, lose or draw! PuP
khodgkins
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 03:07 PMFutacs and Eric seem to hit it off as a front pair and not only are they both scoring, but both are creating oppertunities. Hard for Kits, but thats football. Still do not expect much from tonights foray
MattyC
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 03:01 PMA truly dreadful striker, should've been sold in the transfer window. Doubt anyone would paid more than 50p for him though.
greenjacket
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 02:47 PMIf we get short at the back,I'm sure Kits could do a good job there for us!!
russian chris
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 02:36 PMIf Kitson keeps the right attitude there is no reason why he shouldnt come back and play an important role. He should be scoring more goals,yes of course,but sometimes his role in the team has meant he has had to forego it at times. Look how many times he has been mentioned clearing corners away. I know hes supposed to be a striker,but hes obviously been asked to play different roles at times,especially when Varney was fit and scoring.
Appy pompeii
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 01:57 PMAll good :) Kits having a break will do him good too for the rest of the season. I love the energy Kits has and uses for the team. SIMPLES :)
spectre
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 01:56 PMsouthseasteve thats what we all want just to watch and talk about pompeys football seems such a long time ago . puppfe
southseasteve
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 01:50 PMKits is a worker and i've got nothing against him...... but i'm glad Appy's going with Erik and Futacs again as i think it worked well. My god - i'm talking about football - forgot how it felt.
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