Tue Dec 2 17:36:39 2008

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Portsmouth's Kranjcar wants to make impact in Cup

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Portsmouth, England (Sports Network) - Portsmouth midfielder Niko Kranjcar has declared himself fit and ready to play a full 90 minutes against Wolfsburg in the UEFA Cup.

The Croatia midfielder is hoping to start Thursday's group stage match in Germany after making a string of substitute appearances following his return from ankle surgery in August.

Kranjcar came off the bench in last weekend's 3-2 win over Blackburn Rovers despite suffering a recent knock to the same ankle.

"Against Sunderland [on November 8] I got a knock on the same ankle that was operated on. It was pretty big bone bruising," he told The News. "I didn't even feel my ankle was right enough to be on the bench last week against Milan.

"I told that to the gaffer and said once I am fit I am going to be able to give everything on the pitch. Now I feel I can do that.

"It felt great last Friday and I knew I was ready to take part against Blackburn. Happily for me I came on as a substitute and we got the win.

"I felt fine afterwards and hopefully I can start the next game against Wolfsburg."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)