Utaka can be Pompey striking star
John Utaka has been backed to rejuvenate his Pompey career as a striker.
The Nigerian hitman has been tipped to remain at Fratton Park and prove himself capable of cutting it in the Premier League.
Utaka starred in Monday's victory over Sunderland, scoring one goal and playing a key role in the second.
It's been a torrid time for the 7m signing from Rennes, with the game against the Black Cats his first start since November.
But the indications are Pompey boss Paul Hart is keen to rebuild the 27-year-old's confidence, which was crushed under Harry Redknapp.
Hart sees Utaka operating more effectively as a front man, and believes he can be an effective asset there.
And African football expert Tunde Adelakun, who is editor-in-chief of New African Soccer, feels Hart can be the man to cajole the best out of the player.
He said: 'John is finally operating in a position which suits him perfectly.
'His manager has put him in an area where he can come into his own at Portsmouth.
'With his assets, he could be perfectly suited to playing in that role alongside Peter Crouch.
'Using him in that position could be the perfect area to unlock his potential.
'John is very philosophical about the situation.
'It's been a difficult time for him and his club, and his confidence has not been up to much good.
'John wants to perform but his confidence has not been able to let him do that, and he has fallen flat.
'People see his pace and think he should perform on the wing.
'But John sees himself as a striker, and this is the area he feels he can perform best.
'He has not fulfiled his potential at Portsmouth yet.'
Despite Hart's support, Utaka's future at Pompey still remains in doubt.
He has been linked to a return to France, with former side Rennes said to be among the interested parties.
It could come down to whether he is sacrificed to generate finance and help lower the Blues' wage bill.
However, Adelakun, whose African football expertise is being utilised as part of England's 2018 World Cup bid, feels Utaka will want to stay on at Fratton.
He said: 'If John could be given the games he could do better. There is no reason for him to leave Pompey.
'John is not the type of person to play two seasons and call it quits.
He'll attract interest from a lot of teams in France.
'The game over here is more physical than in the French league, but would John see that as a step down?
'He will want to achieve more and I don't think he will go unless Portsmouth want him to go.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
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