What Portsmouth FC players eat when they go for a curry as hat-trick hero dines at the Akash

If you’re trying to stay in shape, adopting the diet of a footballer isn’t a bad place to start.

When we think of what athletes eat in the average day, our mind immediately goes to high-protein, fibre-rich diets; things like scrambled eggs for breakfast, with a variety of salads, pasta and chicken dishes likely fill their day-to-day lives.

Portsmouth FC players are surely no different, and must have been fuelling themselves with the right stuff to survive a gruelling Championship season, which saw the Blues finish 18th in the league.

Even with the summer transfer window on the horizon, players have to continue eating healthily to stay fit, especially with the prospects of World Cup selection for some of Fratton Park’s top stars. But that doesn’t stop them from treating themselves every once in a while.

Last week, attacking midfielder Adrian Segečić and defender Hayden Matthews went to the Akash in Albert Road, Southsea, for an evening of curry - and the promise of free dinners if they continue to perform for the Blues.

Joking with Segečić, owner and head chef Faz Ahmed said: “Every time you score a hat-trick, you’ll get a free curry.” He also promised free dinners to Matthews if he stops three goals from being conceded in a match.

For their meal, the two had a tandoori mixed kebab, king prawn butterfly, onion bhaji, lamb shank, chicken tikka biryani and the restaurant’s signature George’s Korai, alongside pilau rice, egg fried rice and freshly baked naan breads.

Both players have been linked with World Cup selection, with Segečić having a shot at the Croatian national team, and Matthews with Australia.

Chef Faz added: “It was a pleasure to host both players. We wish them the very best and hope to see them representing their countries on the international stage.”