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.