Utaka has shown he has pace to burn, but not a lot else, certainly not enough to warrant his £7 million transfer fee.
Dubbed ‘Torpedo’ by his team-mates, the Nigeria international opened his Pompey career in great style, running virtually three-quarters of the pitch to score against Bolton in August 2007.
Although his first season in the English game following a £7 move from Rennes had its flat spots, it finished on a real high when his whipped cross from the right flank was spilled at the feet of Kanu for the FA Cup winner against Cardiff.
Having admitted that his first season in English football was one of adjustment, Utaka has vowed to deliver on his undoubted potential next time around.