Pompey opportunity for OJ

Gambian youngster earns full-time contract

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 24th July 2008

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Omar Krumah has impressed Harry Redknapp sufficiently to earn a permanent contract with Portsmouth.

The Gambian teenager, known as 'OJ', has spent the last fortnight training with the Premier League side.

A number of eye-catching performances in recent pre-season friendlies persuaded Pompey to take a gamble on the youngster, and he is now set to be offered a deal on the South Coast.

However, he is unlikely to be blooded in the top-flight next season, with Redknapp preferring to nurture the 18-year-old into a star of the future.

Tremendous

"OJ has done well, he's only 18 and I think he's a real prospect," the Pompey boss told The News.

"We're hoping to now get something done and keep him here permanently because I like him.

"He was at Southampton last year, they wanted him but could not get a work permit but he's married now so that's no longer a problem.

"The lad was recommended to me so we had him over for the last couple of weeks and he's been tremendous.

Learning

"He's quick and has got a lot of everything.

"The kid wants to do well, he's willing to learn and hopefully he can do well here.

"I have already had half a dozen clubs wanting to play him this season, most of them are from the Championship.

"He's not ready for the Premier League but he's still young so his time can come."