Harry Redknapp has challenged John Utaka to win back his Pompey place as speculation grows in France of a move to Lille.Redknapp has sent out a message to the Nigerian that he must improve his consistency to hold down a regular place in the first team ahead of Monday's clash with European champions Manchester United.
He said: "I need a bit of pace in the team, it's something we're short of.
"John Utaka could give us a bit of pace and wide options for sure, he can run quick.
"He's got to use that pace, though, that's the key.
"He's got to get the ball, work hard, try to use his pace at the right times and take people on at the right times. That hasn't happened yet.
"John's got to put all these together.
"He's got to put his game together a little bit more."
Papa Bouba Diop has started on the right-hand side of midfield in both the Community Shield and Premier League opener against Chelsea.
But Redknapp said: "John's always involved. He is always in my thinking and could come in against United.
"Against Chelsea I just felt we would have been too open with him there so Papa played.
"We couldn't have played two wingers out there, we would have been ripped to pieces.
"As it was, we were too open and got ripped to pieces anyway.
"But John will be there and thereabouts on Monday."
