Portsmouth Football Club News

Jermaine Pennant is desperate to play football again. The 26-year-old winger – who has joined Pompey on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season – has had limited opportunities on Merseyside this season. Restricted to just four appearances for the Anfield club, Pennant is eager to play regular first-team football. Tony Adams has given him that chance, with the former Arsenal and Leeds star in line to make his Blues debut in Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Swansea at Fratton Park. And now Pennant wants to repay the faith of his former Gunners team-mate. He said: “Tony’s given me the opportunity to come here and hopefully play regular first-team football. “I played with him at Arsenal, so I know what he’s like. He was desperate for me to come which is very encouraging to hear. “I want to repay some of that confidence by coming here and doing the best that I can. “It’s been frustrating this season but the Liverpool manager decided he didn’t want to play me for whatever reason. But now I want to help Pompey climb the table. “My strengths are my crossing and getting past players and that’s what I’m looking to do here. “There are a good bunch of players here in every position. Hopefully I can help them get some good results. “I enjoy playing football and that’s what I’ve come here to do.” Pennant is also looking forward to linking up with his former Liverpool colleague Peter Crouch. He said: “It’ll be like the good old days at Liverpool! “I know his strengths and hopefully I can deliver some good balls for him to get some goals. “If I get the balls in the box then I know that Peter’s there to put them away.” Pennant is eager to play against Swansea on Saturday as Pompey continue their defence of the FA Cup. And he admits that it will be nice to have the Fratton faithful on his side for a change. “It’s going to be a tough game at the weekend – the FA Cup is always tough,” said Pennant. “But we’re at home which gives me the chance to get used to the ground and the fans. “I never liked playing here because it’s such a difficult place to come and get a result. The fans make it very hard for the opposition and it’s a very tight pitch. “But it’s a different story now that I’m playing for Pompey and those things will now become an advantage.”

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