Kranjcar: Heading back

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Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp hopes to have injured midfielder Niko Kranjcar back in contention for a first-team place by the end of the month.

Kranjcar has been out for seven weeks after damaging ankle ligaments, but is closing in on a return to action.

And only then will Redknapp worry about where to accommodate the Croatian international in his starting line-up.

"Niko is coming back, hopefully by the back end of the month, which is a big bonus for us," said the Pompey boss.

"He's a top, top player in my opinion and there will always be a role for him in my team, no doubt about that.

"'The lad is a cracking footballer. I just have to get him fit and then look at getting him into the team."

Signed

Redknapp has signed Nadir Belhadj and Armand Traore on season-long loans since Kranjcar was injured on international duty in August and the pair have both done well down Portsmouth's left side.

But Redknapp believes Kranjcar, 24, is capable of slotting in elsewhere if necessary.

"Obviously, Armand and Nadir have done fantastic down that left for us since they came to the club, but Niko can play in other positions," he told the Portsmouth News.

"He has played a lot on the left for us but he can also go on the right - he's naturally right-footed - or he could operate behind the front two if you wanted.

"The lad gives us options but first I just want to get him fit and then see what happens."