Pompey’s viking insists new partnership will see goals flow
113029-993_POMPEY_CARDIFF_SR_27/9/11 Pompey vs Cardiff City at Fratton Park. Pompey new boy Erik Huseklepp. Picture:Steve Reid 113029-993
Erik Huseklepp hailed his link-up with Marko Futacs and promised: There’s more goals to come.
The Norwegian forward believes he can continue his run of goals, as he forms an understanding with Futacs which can wreak havoc on Championship defences.
Huseklepp smashed in a double last week at Peterborough, as the Viking rampaged through the Posh on the way to his side’s 3-0 win.
The 27-year-old took his total for the season to five goals since his arrival from Bari in August.
It was his all-round performance which excited, though, as he revelled in a withdrawn role behind Futacs in Michael Appleton’s 4-2-3-1/4-4-1-1 system.
Huseklepp’s hard running and willingness to attack defenders caused havoc from deep.
That worked impressively alongside Futacs, who again showed how well his all-round play is developing as the attacking focal point.
The two delivered a blend of silk and steel which excited Pompey fans and quickly had them talking about the pair’s attacking potential.
Huseklepp admitted he loved linking up with the 6ft 5in Hungarian powerhouse in the final third.
He revelled in the role – instead of his usual wide position – and insisted he felt perfectly comfortable operating there for the Blues.
Now he is looking forward to showing what he can do as Hull City arrive at Fratton Park tomorrow.
And that means keeping the goals flowing as the Tigers come to town.
Huseklepp said: ‘The goals are improving but I’m not stopping yet.
‘I hope to score a few more but as long as the team are playing well I’m happy.
‘It’s fun playing in the position. It’s a role I can play in and I like it.
‘I can play out wide, too, and know that position. I’ll play wherever the gaffer wants me to.
‘It’s great with Marko and we fill out the attacking position between each other.
‘He fights and I run – and that was okay for us against Peterborough.
‘I’ve had some good games but that was one of my best playing in that position.
‘It’s a role I like. I think I bring a threat with my pace.
‘I like to run in the channels and I like the ball at my feet.’
With the January transfer window closing, speculation about players leaving Pompey can come to a halt – until the emergency loan window opens next Wednesday, at least.
The uncertainty about what is happening behind the scenes will continue, however.
The countdown is on to the club’s winding-up petition hearing on February 20.
Players – like the rest of Pompey’s staff – are waiting for their January wages after the club’s bank accounts were frozen following the petition being issued.
But amid all the upheaval, Huseklepp is feeling settled.
Along with the rest of the Pompey squad, he is focusing on the games at hand.
He wants to see his team continue to build on their second away win of the campaign and deliver back-to-back successes for just the second time this season.
The Norway international said: I’ve been feeling settled for a long time here now.
‘Portsmouth is a good place, so let’s hope the club can sort out all of those things so we can play.
‘We had a good performance at Peterborough.
‘And now we need to go out and get back-to-back victories.
‘If we can start doing that, who knows?’
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Comments
There are 12 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
BlondBarefootRunner
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 02:28 PMmeant to say a hat-trick each from Erik and Marko, but a double hat-trick from both would be out of this world........PUP
BlondBarefootRunner
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 02:25 PMDouble hat-tricks from Erik and Marko on Saturday, weather permitting!!!!!!! PUP
BlondBarefootRunner
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 02:25 PM.....having a blond moment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Imposter
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 12:03 PMrfwBlue.......he's saving himself for the big one.
rfwBlue
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 12:02 PMYou believe it Imposter. I want tobelieve but.......!!
pompeytillidie12
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 10:55 AMplease keep your form into the hull game eric, i was at the peterborough game and thats the best i have seen you since you have joined.
rfwBlue
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 09:52 AMGiven up 'tweeting' Jordan? Nothing for a few days now!
ThurmanMurman
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 09:50 AMIt's incredible that our group of players have formed such a great passion for Portsmouth. Could you really see Man City and Chelsea players showing the dedication and loyalties to there clubs, if they weren't paid there wages. We've got a good group of lads down here, and I for one can't wait to see what they can do under Appleton without all this going on in the background
Pompeymal
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 09:48 AMWe all hope to see a few more goals, there's only about 3 weeks to do it though before the club folds. Would be good to see us go out with a bang.
Bazzateer
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 09:32 AMAll we can ask is that the players continue with the form they displayed at Peterborough and that the silence from DL and AA is because a deal is being thrashed out with new owners.
spencerc
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 09:31 AMA goal a piece tomorrow and maybe Lawro!! 3-1 PUP
Appy and U know it clap your hands
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 09:16 AMKeep up the good work Eric! I can't be at the game as I'm in Oz for 3 months but hope everyone who is within a few hour drive of Fratton Park gets down there and gets the place rockin! All I can do is keep logging in everyday hoping that sooner rather than later there is some good news and I will get to see a game again at Fratton Park again. play up Pompey!
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