BALL BOY

Pompey boss Alan Ball snapped up the defender for an undisclosed sum, thought to be in the region of £30,000, and it is the third time that the pair have linked up.

It has been confirmed that he will go straight into the squad for Saturday`s game against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

The 31-year-old has failed to make any sort of impression at The Dell and will be keen to resurrect his career under Ball.

Hiley began his career at Exeter, ironically under Ball, and spent eight years at the Devon club.

Before he joined Southampton, he had stints with Birmingham and Manchester City, where he again linked up with Ball.

Ball said: "I`m delighted. I like him a lot as a footballer."

Pompey were thought to be lining up a loan move for Hiley but found that this would not be possible because FA rules stipulate that a club may only take on six loan players in a season and no more than two at any one time. Pompey already have Michael Brown and Lee Makel on loan spells at the club.