Defoe out of Hammers clash

By James Pearson   Last updated: 7th April 2008

Jermaine Defoe Portsmouth

Defoe: Out of Hammers clash

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Striker to miss Upton Park reunion

Jermain Defoe has been ruled out of Portsmouth's weekend clash against West Ham due to a family bereavement.

Defoe had been set to line-up against his former employers at Upton Park, but has been granted permission to fly to the Caribbean to attend his grandmother's funeral.

The loss of the striker is a major blow for manager Harry Redknapp as the former Spurs man has found the back of the net eight times since his move from White Hart Lane.

"I'm missing Jermain Defoe," Redknapp told the club's official website.

"His grandmother died in St Lucia and he's gone with his mum to the funeral, which is on Tuesday.

"He was very close to his nan and wanted to be there at the funeral."

Prove his worth

David Nugent is hoping to be drafted into Portsmouth's starting line-up as he is desperate to prove his worth following his move from Preston.

Nugent is yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League in 12 appearances, but he is looking to put the record straight at Upton Park.

The one-time England striker moved to Fratton Park in the summer but has seen his chances limited, although he was involved in the FA Cup semi-final victory over West Brom on Saturday.

"Pompey have paid a lot of money for me and it is time I started to show my worth," he said. "My match fitness is coming back and you will see the real David Nugent now.

"I do not feel I have given enough to this football club yet so this is my chance to show what I can do.

"I have got the buzz again and it was nice to be involved on Saturday. We are in the final and have a great chance of winning the trophy and I badly want to be a part of it."