Striker's FA Cup pledge to old club

Patrick Agyemang heads back to his old stomping ground as Pompey chase FA Cup first-round progress and told Stevenage: I'll show you what I can do.
Pompey striker Patrick Agyemang Picture: Joe PeplerPompey striker Patrick Agyemang Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey striker Patrick Agyemang Picture: Joe Pepler

The 33-year-old striker was deemed surplus to requirements by the League One outfit last term and was allowed to join the Blues on loan before penning a permanent deal in the summer.

During an injury-hit spell at the Lamex Stadium, Agyemang scored just one goal in 31 appearances.

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But the former QPR striker is a different player since having his confidence restored at Fratton Park and already has four goals to his name this season, with his former club now in his sights.

Pompey striker Patrick Agyemang Picture: Joe PeplerPompey striker Patrick Agyemang Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey striker Patrick Agyemang Picture: Joe Pepler

Agyemang said: ‘My time there was a bit indifferent.

‘I don’t think they saw the best of me. I was carrying injuries and maybe struggling with confidence.

‘Maybe they saw glimpses but I couldn’t show them what I really wanted to show them.

‘Hopefully, I can show them now.

‘The first time I went there, I did well to help them get into the play-off semi-finals.

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‘It was the furthest they had ever been in the club’s history, so it was a good experience for me.

‘But the next season they had a lot of good players there, I was injured a few times so didn’t really get the run of games I wanted.

‘I couldn’t really play to my strengths, either.

‘There was a lot more running into the channels.

‘I can do that job but I like the ball to feet.

‘When the team wasn’t playing with confidence, it was more about smashing it up in the air or down the sides.

‘But even when I was fit, I wasn’t playing and that’s when I came to Portsmouth.

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‘I know their manager will want them running for the full 90 minutes and they will be trying to bully us.

‘But we’re professional enough to stand up to that.’

After battling for regular first-team football in recent years, Agyemang now feels settled at Pompey and has proved his worth to Guy Whittingham’s side.

He said: ‘When I first came here, maybe I was struggling with confidence.

‘Slowly but surely, I have found my feet here and I’ve been loving it ever since.

‘I’m enjoying it here.

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‘In the past I’ve scored a few goals when I’ve played against my former clubs, so hopefully I can add to that this time around.’

While a high-profile run in the competition has eluded him during his career, Agyemang does have FA Cup pedigree after netting his first goal way back in February 2001.

He recalled: ‘I scored my first senior goal in the FA Cup against Wycombe.

‘It was a cut-back and I slotted it home. That was a good memory.

‘But I haven’t had a great run in the FA Cup. I don’t think I’ve ever gone past the fourth round and I’ve never really been in a high-profile FA Cup game.

‘Maybe this year that can change.’