Cranie ready to fill void

Cranie: Limited opportunities

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Martin Cranie is relishing the challenge of stepping into Glen Johnson's boots at Portsmouth.

The talented full-back is currently away on international duty with England at the European U21 Championship but has been keeping tabs on events at Fratton Park.

The biggest story to emerge from the South Coast during his time in Sweden regards Johnson's big-money move to Liverpool, a departure which has left a vacancy within Pompey's back four.

Despite seeing his first-team opportunities limited since arriving at the club from Southampton in 2007, Cranie is adamant that he is up to filling the void.

His recent performances for the Young Lions suggest he could be right and the 22-year-old admits he cannot wait to show Pompey's new boss, whoever that may be, what he is capable of.

"Being in Sweden, I have not really heard that much about what's going on at the club," he told The News.

Regular games

"I've just been catching the late news, getting the papers a couple of days later, but I did eventually hear about Glen. I think people have been expecting it.

"Obviously there's an opportunity at right-back now and I am hoping to get my chance and show what I can do. I am not going to say too much at the moment. I'm just going to get my head down and work hard when pre-season starts.

"I think it's done me a lot of good getting regular games for the England U21s. We are playing well and hopefully can reach the final.

"In the past it hasn't helped me at Portsmouth not playing too many games. There have been a few different managers since I've been at the club and I don't know who is going to be in charge next season. The situation is very unclear.

"All I can do is show what I can do when pre-season starts and take it from there.

"I'm going to get my head down, roll up my sleeves and work hard - that's all I can do."