Aston Villa loanee: Portsmouth talisman can bring out best in me

Andre Green sized up his left-wing battle with Ronan Curtis and insisted: He'll bring out the best in me.
Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe PeplerRonan Curtis. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe Pepler

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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The Pompey boss believes Green's best role is on the left flank.

Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe PeplerRonan Curtis. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe Pepler

However, that position currently belongs to Ronan Curtis '“ one of the League One leaders' chief goal threats this campaign. 

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. 

Andre Green celebrates his maiden Pompey goal. Picture: Robin JonesAndre Green celebrates his maiden Pompey goal. Picture: Robin Jones
Andre Green celebrates his maiden Pompey goal. Picture: Robin Jones

Green said: '˜It's good competition with Ronan. 

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'˜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. 

'˜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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Green'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. 

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 '“ but did it to ensure he can fire on all cylinders at Pompey. 

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Green added: '˜It wasn't that bad at all '“ 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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'˜A few weeks out is better than long term and I had to get it done. 

'˜If you go under the knife, then it's something I knew was there. It wasn't a little niggling thing. 

'˜It was kind of a big thing in my head to make me not play how I wanted to play.'