Pompey have a gem in Crouch

Peter Crouch is unlikely to be in England's starting XI against Kazakhstan on Saturday.

But his return to the squad is the least he deserves.

Off the pitch, there is no ego with Crouchie. It's easy to think this is a result of constant teasing (sometimes abuse) over his height, but it's probably because he's simply a decent bloke.

For journalists, it's a reassuring sight to see the striker emerge from the changing rooms post-match because he's always happy to talk. No tantrums, no excuses, no pretending to make a phone call.

Liverpool and Pompey fans took to him immediately because for all his ability, he's gives everything.

He's overcome constant chants of 'freak' at grounds to become a successful international.

One, it has to be said, with a top-drawer girlfriend in Abi Clancy - the fellas who subscribe to FHM approve.

If his choice of lady suggests he's punching above his weight, that feeling is no longer the case on the pitch. He's a respected and dangerous front man.

In his second spell at Fratton Park, he's slowly got into gear as his partnership with Jermain Defoe clicked into place.

And last week saw him bag four goals in a memorable week for the club.

He's playing with verve, spirit and skill, whereas Michael Owen - despite a few goals - looks weighed down and uninterested at shambolic Newcastle. Fabio Capello got his pick right.

If Crouch gets on against Borat's countrymen, expect him to carry on him impressive England record and get goals.

Pompey fans know they've got a top-class player and character.

Play up Crouchie!

AC Milan are just the ticket

Now the enormity of the UEFA Cup draw has sunk in, the next thing we all want to know is how and when they can get their tickets.

The club have promised an announcement - most likely Friday - with all the details.

One thing is definite, though - prices will remain the same as the Guimaraes tie.

It's what chief executive Peter Storrie promised and, to be fair, it looks like he will deliver.

Twenty quid for adults and 10 quid for adults/concessions to watch seven-times European Champions AC Milan - not bad, I think you will agree.

I'm loath to praise Pompey's admin skills - usually because they display any very often - but it would appear this time they might have got it right.

Whether it's via batching games together to ensure the ground is full for the whole group stage or whether, as they are bound to insist, it's a thank you to the fans, it's a good price.

Could it be that for the club's defining fixture in recent history, on a night which will be a celebration of Pompey the team and Portsmouth the city, the club will have a fair ticket policy in place.

An all-inclusive attitude will only serve to improve what will be a special night on the south coast.

And let's be honest, if we are to stand any chance of beating the Rossoneri we all need to stick together.

Does the Cap fit?

Harry Redknapp's mantra has always been that football 'is all about good players'.

There is, of course, much truth in that.

However, at international level it's not that simple.

For one thing, there are a lot of good players. The key has always been to tactically mould these players into a sum even greater than their parts.

Terry Venables managed it at Euro 96, Glenn Hoddle almost managed it and Kevin Keegan and Steve McClaren failed dismally.

Anyone can pick the best 11 players - and that was pretty much all Sven-Goran Eriksson did towards the end of his reign.

Now England have started their World Cup campaign under Fabio Capello.

Team balance and the ability to outwit opponents are key.

It's why Stewart Downing, for all his shortcomings, is a better bet on the left than Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard.

And it's why England will do better with a legitimate partnership upfront. For example, Heskey/Owen worked. Owen/Rooney will not offer the same threat.

It's one thing spouting these thngs off in a blog, of course, but getting them right in real life requires the sharpest football brain

Step forward Mr Capello. We hope.

Fratton a haven for Jamo

So David James was a little shaky for England at Wembley.

As Tom Jones famously sang: 'It's not unusual.'

Thankfully, these jitters don’t extend to Fratton Park.

For this, I suggest we thank the coaching staff and the club for ensuring his confidence stays high and his value to the team is well voiced.

History reveals when this drops and the national press get him in their sights - note England displays and Liverpool career - he becomes prone to rushes of blood.

The reason for this fallability only he knows. From what he says in interviews to The News, he is an obsessive, perfectionist who finds it difficult to put mistakes to one side.

James admits himself he had ridiculously high expectations of himself at Liverpool.

Now he’s older, wiser, a more relaxed figure and in a more loving environment.

For Pompey’s sake, let’s hope it stays that way.

The trouble for Fabio Capello but the great new for Pompey fans is James is still the best in the business.


Meanwhile, the debate over John Utaka rumbles on.

This time Harry had his say on our back page. The News asked him directly what he thought of the infuriating Nigerian.

And while he wouldn’t comment on a possible sale to Lille, Redknapp left everyone in no doubt - Utaka must improve.

He has to build on his debut season and he has to show he has more than just raw pace.

Over to you John - the question is will he be around long enough to prove his doubters wrong?