Portsmouth striker Luke Varney is desperate to play a part in Saturday¿s crucial derby against Southampton after missing the reverse fixture.
Pompey striker setting his sights on Saints
Portsmouth striker Luke Varney is desperate to play a part in Saturday's crucial South Coast derby against Southampton after missing the reverse fixture.
The fierce local rivals are keen to secure the three points for very different reasons, with the Saints in the running for the Championship title while Pompey scrap to avoid relegation following their financial woes.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw back in December at Fratton Park, with Joel Ward's late equaliser salvaging a point for the hosts.
Varney missed that fixture through injury and he is keen to play a part in this weekend's hotly anticipated clash.
"I'm sure that we will get a bit of stick off them in the build-up, but it is a game that I'm looking forward to because I missed the reverse fixture earlier in the season," he told
Sky Sports.
"I went into the Burnley game with four bookings next to my name, so I was desperate not to get a fifth and miss it through suspension, but just my luck that I ended up getting injured instead.
"Watching that game was hard for me, so hopefully I can stay injury free and away from suspension for it this time because it is one of those that everyone wants to be involved in."
Positive
Pompey are currently five points adrift of safety following their 5-1 defeat to Burnley last weekend, but Varney insists that confidence remains high.
"It is hard not to be positive still because there isn't a lot we can do as players to help the club with its current problems," he said.
"The gaffer has been fantastic throughout and has allowed us to continue training and the day-to-day stuff.
"A few of the player exits have shook us up a little bit, but the gaffer has kept us focused and ensured that we are all looking forward to the upcoming games, which are coming thick and fast."
