Utaka in race against time

Portsmouth boss Tony Adams has warned John Utaka that time is running out but he still says he can become a Pompey star.

The Nigerian started against Hull at the weekend in the absence of Jermain Defoe but has yet to convince Adams that he deserves a place up front where he is in a battle with Kanu and David Nugent for Defoe's spot whilst he is out injured.

Adams told the News: "John is a free spirit and can be hugely frustrating, but at times I've seen him through the middle for Rennes and on his day could score goals.

"At the moment I still don't know if he can play up front for us and that's the honest answer.

"It's up to John, maybe there could be opportunities for him.

"At times last season on the right in a 4-3-3 he was really effective for us so I'm not going to throw John out just yet.

"I think he deserves more time and I think he will be very useful at some stage.

"But I'm not too sure how much the fans and me can tolerate, so he's got to be quick."