Aston Villa loanee: Portsmouth talisman can bring out best in me
The Aston Villa loanee made a goalscoring return from injury in Pompey's 3-2 Checkatrade Trophy victory over Tottenham Hotspur under-21s on Tuesday night.Â
After a successful first game back following knee surgery, the forward is now targeting a regular starting spot in Kenny Jackett's side.
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Hide AdThe Pompey boss believes Green's best role is on the left flank.
However, that position currently belongs to Ronan Curtis '“ one of the League One leaders' chief goal threats this campaign.Â
The former Derry City winger has registered six goals and seven assists to date and is currently away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland senior squad.
Green knows he faces a difficult task to dislodge Curtis.
But the England under-20 international feels the Irishman can help him regain peak form after his setback.Â
Green said: '˜It's good competition with Ronan.Â
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Hide Ad'˜I think that I need that competition to get me back to my best.
'˜To get back to how I was before then I need Ronan back here (from international duty) playing against me in training.Â
'˜In training it is competitive between the both of us.
'˜That can only be a good thing for the team.
'˜But wherever the manager wants to play me then I will play.
'˜Like I say, there is healthy competition between both of us.'
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Hide AdGreen's appearance against Spurs was his first for more than two months.
The Solihull-born talent had surgery in September to remove a cyst from his knee '“ just two games into his season-long loan at Fratton Park.Â
Green admitted he thought he was able to play through the pain barrier after arriving on the south coast.
He didn't make the decision to go under the knife lightly '“Â but did it to ensure he can fire on all cylinders at Pompey.Â
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Hide AdGreen added:Â '˜It wasn't that bad at all '“Â I thought I could play.
'˜I wanted to give 100 per cent to Portsmouth and show them just how good that I was.
'˜I want to have the best chance to impress and show what I can do.
'˜It was getting to a point where I knew it wasn't 100 per cent and I only had a few weeks out.
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Hide Ad'˜A few weeks out is better than long term and I had to get it done.Â
'˜If you go under the knife, then it's something I knew was there. It wasn't a little niggling thing.Â
'˜It was kind of a big thing in my head to make me not play how I wanted to play.'