Diop's all right by me

Papa Bouba Diop is an honest guy.

He admits he's got no pace and the attacking side of the game does not come naturally.

He also knows he's not a right-winger.

But that's where he's started the season, mainly due to Harry Redknapp's lack of trust in John Utaka.

Diop looks unrefined and out of position, but amid the sea of sub-standard performances so far his endeavour has stood out.

Off the field he's a gentle giant.On it 'The Wardrobe' can be brutal.

On our back page today (Wednesday) Diop says he'll do whatever is necessary for the team.

If that means struggling on the right because Harry needs him there then so be it.

But it means he rarely gets the plaudits.

He's whole-hearted despite this - and that takes courage.

Courage is something which, so far at least, has been lacking from John Utaka.

I'm not talking about the courage to go into tackles.

I'm talking about having the bottle to get on the ball and make things happen.

If anything, Diop shows more because he is not as naturally gifted as fellow African.

The Nigerian has all the attributes, but he rarely opts to use them.So often he turns back or checks his run instead of backing his pace and ability.

For fans, it's the ultimate sin.To see someone with the natural talent to reach a level they could only dream of not having the balls to at least give it a go.

That explains the fans' - and possibly Harry's - apathy towards Utaka.

It also explains why the endearing Diop is so valued at Pompey.