Time to bring O'Neil home

It's a bold - and reassuring - statement.

Pompey executive chairman Peter Storrie has told The News Jermain Defoe will be the last big-name Pompey player to leave in the January transfer window.

Glen Johnson, Peter Crouch, Sylvain Distin, David James - going nowhere.

Raising the spirits of wounded Pompey fans, he also said new signings are on their way, two by the end of the next week.

It's nailed on that one of those will be Gary O'Neil, and it's a prospect that has split opinion.

On one hand, supporters believe it's a backward step. The other side reckon a dedicated, hard-working player like O'Neil is worth 10 Defoes.

Let's be frank. O'Neil's not in the same class as Lassana Diarra or Sulley Muntari.

But he would improve the current midfield, adding a touch of creativity to the industry and muscle of Papa Bouba Diop, Sean Davis and Richard Hughes.

The biggest thing you'd get with O'Neil, though, is heart at a time when Pompey risk having it ripped out.

Having come through the ranks he cares for the club, wants to return and wouldn't spend his spare time on the phone to his agent.

O'Neil's as genuine as they come and Pompey runs through his veins.

At a time of unsettling overhaul and a manager finding his way at the top level, the return of O'Neil is a no-brainer.

It's a no-lose situation - and Fratton Park would welcome him back with open arms.

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.