'Appy Snaps Up Etuhu

Last updated : 20 January 2012 By Jim Bonner

Pompey have confirmed the signing of free agent of ex-Manchester City Kelvin Etuhu on an initial one-month deal.

The 23-year-old was without a club since he was released by City for being sentenced to prison for eight months following a conviction of assault last March. He is now looking to rebuild his career and Michael Appleton has offered him the chance to do so at Fratton Park.

Etuhu was set to go to Greek side Kavala last summer but that fell through and Pompey had to get clearance from the Greek FA before tying up the deal.

The signing was finally allowed to be completed after Hermann Hriedarsson was sold to Coventry on Monday. No doubt there will be some Pompey fans who won't be happy with his arrival due to his past but he has "done the time for the crime" and should be given a chance to prove himself.

For what it's worth, this could be a shrewd piece of business from Appleton as Etuhu is a high quality player for this division and should add some creativity to a midfield that struggles to create chances.

He can also play as a forward and at six feet tall, could be another option to play the dreaded long ball game if Pompey are desperate.

Kelvin, younger brother of Fulham midfielder Dickson, should make his debut against Cardiff, ironically the team he was loaned to in October 2010. He has also been borrowed by Rochdale and Leicester.