Nigerian ace gets shock Pompey chance

Former Chelsea and Newcastle full-back Celestine Babayaro has been handed the chance to secure a contract with Portsmouth.

The 29-year-old Nigerian international defender looked like his Premier League days were over when he was released from Newcastle by mutual consent in December last year. Babayaro made a switch to LA Galaxy in January, where a three-year deal was waived by boss Ruud Gullit after just 45 minutes of pre-season friendly action when he was booked and gave away a penalty.

The player has since struggled to find a club, but Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has swooped to hand him a week's trial which could result in a full-time contract should he impress.

Babayaro would be used mainly as cover for Icelandic international Hermann Hreidarsson if he successfully secures a contract, while it would also probably end Pompey's reported interest in Reading's Nicky Shorey and Chelsea's Wayne Bridge.