Why Crouch deserves to walk tall

The misfortune of others mean the door has swung open again for Peter Crouch's England career.

Injuries to Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole will see the Pompey striker lead the attack against Ukraine in the World Cup qualifier on Wednesday night.

Past selections suggested Fabio Capello wasn't 100 per cent convinced with the former Liverpool man.

But now he has little choice - and Crouch deserves every bit of luck he gets.

Rarely has someone with previous at Southampton been so applauded at Fratton Park as the beanpole front man (only Alan Ball, Alan McLoughlin and Harry Redknapp spring to mind - and some never accepted the latter!).

That Pompey fans respect him is testament to his character - and the fact, perhaps, that he was willing to leave the trappings of Anfield for a second spell at Fratton.

You see, a man like Crouch should not, in our minds at least, be a footballer.
As Smithy brutally said in the recent Comic Relief sketch: 'Everything about you tells me you should be rubbish at football'.

The image is of someone who should be as hapless as the thousands who still chase the dream in Parks football.

Except Crouch has 'overcome' his unique physique - 'freak' was a popular away end chant - to end up an accomplished international footballer.

In truth, though, he always had talent. But, because of his shape, he was written off immediately.

I remember watching Crouch in his first spell at Pompey as a raw youngster. His first touch was still miles ahead of everybody in that team bar the legendary Robert Prosinecki.

But he's had to win people over, earning him the respect of all without any apparent bitterness.

Off the pitch he's a genuine bloke, clearly appreciative of his talents.
Asked on Soccer Saturday what he'd be if he wasn't a professional footballer, his immortal response was 'a virgin'. If you didn't like him before, you did after that.

The other important thing for Blues fans is his often-expressed love of life at Pompey. Because it's Crouchie, you believe him.

It's why everyone, not just Pompey fans, will be hoping he shines against Ukraine.

Pompey's relegation scrap: the verdict

Let's not count our chickens, but it appears a no-thrills approach has done the trick at Pompey.

The secret to Paul Hart's success so far at Pompey seems to be that there is no secret.

The re-introduction of basic, no-nonsense defending has laid the platform for Pompey's upturn in form, culminating in the three points at home to Everton.

It's not over by a long shot, of course, and there will a few ups and downs along the way.

But the Blues look like a team up for the challenge of staying in the division and, importantly, believing they have the skill and organisation in place to do so.

Here I look at the bottom nine teams and assess their chances of avoiding the drop.

Bolton
A good run-in against many of the bottom sides coupled with a tough, uncompromising approach should see them survive. In Matt Taylor they have a player - as Pompey fans will know - capable of chipping in with goals. And in Kevin Davies they have a forward who, while not prolific, is well-versed at unsettling Premier League defences.
Verdict: Safe

Hull City
Goals have dried up and the charismatic but crocked Jimmy Bullard could prove to be a huge waste of money. They are finding it tougher the longer the season goes on as the demands of the top flight take its toll. A tricky run-in won't help and I can see panic setting in as they edge nearer the drop zone. Luckily for them, a sensational first half of the season should see them survive.
Verdict: Safe - but only just

Sunderland
Ricky Sbragia's honeymoon period is now over and it's clearly going to be a nerve-shredding finale for them. They are organised and gritty, and their clash against Hull on April 18 could be a defining moment. Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse hold the key. This dynamic, but erratic, duo must chip with a few goals to keep the Championship at bay.
Verdict: Safe

Blackburn
Rovers have a hideous run-in with trips to Anfield, Eastlands and Stamford Bridge lying in wait. However, there are also winnable games in the final furlong for Sam Allardyce's men. Big Sam has already made them a tough unit to play against and with his nous, I can see the Wanderers scrambling enough points together to clamber to safety.
Verdict: Safe

West Brom
Many have admired Tony Mowbray for sticking to his principles, but this inflexibility has cost them. Pretty football aplenty, but the Albion have always lacked real quality in the final third. No goals has meant no wins, and that means one thing - relegation.
Verdict: Down - no question

Stoke City
Home form has been a revelation. Their style is not to everyone's taste - not that the Potters will give two hoots about that. The signing of James Beattie has proved as shrewd as Dave Kitson's was disastrous and the former Saint should rack up enough goals to see Stoke home. Keeping them up will be Tony Pulis' crowning moment as a manager - and that's what I expect to happen.
Verdict: Safe

Middlesbrough
The Premier Leaguye is not a good place to learn how to be a manager. Just ask Tony Adams and Paul Ince. Boro, though, have afforded Gareth Southgate the time he required. The trouble is, it hasn't worked. Big-money striker Afonso Alves has proved a huge flop and the reliance on youth has backfired. Capable of decent approach play but a lack of a goalscorer will mean goodbye to the Premier League.
Verdict: Down

Newcastle
If ever a club deserve to go down, it's the Magpies. Bad buys, bad appointments and general bad decisions mean the club is in disarray. The owner managed to get rid of the one shining light in Kevin Keegan and brought in one who, sadly, is sidelined by a heart op. Caretaker boss Chris Hughton is clearly not up to the task and the defence is leaking goals for fun. Amid all this chaos, knitting together an under-performing team looks a tough ask - especially when they've got Arsenal, Chelsea and Luverpool to come.
Verdict: Down - a 'big' club bites the dust

Pompey
The calibre, motivation and experince of the likes of David James, Sol Campbell and Peter Crouch is beginning to come to the fore. Given a framework by boss Hart, the team have responded well. Next up are Hull and it's vital the form is carried on. The mood is good, which is more than can be said for some of their rivals, and the Blues have the tools at their disaposal to move away from danger.
Verdict: Safe