Crouch determined to play

'Don't rest me' pleads former Liverpool striker

By Claire Hughes   Last updated: 4th October 2008

Peter Crouch Guimaraes v Portsmouth - UEFA Cup

Crouch: Wants to play on

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Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch is determined to keep on playing - no matter how tired boss Harry Redknapp thinks he is.

The Pompey manager is expected to make several changes ahead of Sunday's game against Stoke following a marathon effort in the Uefa Cup against Guimaraes on Thursday night that went to extra time.

But Crouch, who experienced the rollercoaster of squad rotation under Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, wants to keep on going.

"I've come from a club where it's chopped and changed all the time, so I'm loving every minute of playing every game," he told The Daily Star.

"I don't want to come off, I don't want to be rested. If the manager feels that he does need to take players out every now and then, so be it.

Professionals

"After extra time, and another game on Sunday, it's certainly going to take a lot out of us. But we're all professionals, so, if we prepare right, I'm sure we'll be fine."

Crouch, 27, is embracing his second spell at Fratton Park - and his third under Redknapp, the pair having also come together at Southampton.

"The manager got the best out of me previously when I played under him and playing under him again was my choice," he said.

"I'm loving every minute of it, being involved in what are big games.

"I'm starting, I'm playing and I'm really enjoying it and that's when I play my best football."