O’Hara’s presence cannot be underestimated at Fratton Park

Ask a football fan in late August, a few weeks into the start of the new Premier League season, and they would tell you that Portsmouth were certain to go down. Ask them now and they will tell you they’re not so sure. Pompey manager Paul Hart was amongst the thousands that knew Portsmouth’s squad needed strengthening if they were to avoid the drop, and fast. Hart brought in a host of players at the end of August, including midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng, Ivory Coast international Aruna Dindane and Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara; arguably the most important of all his additions.

O’Hara, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, had already proved his ability to play in the Premier League with his performances at White Hart Lane. After a summer of departures, the South coast club were in need of a central midfielder of Premier League experience to equip them for their battle with relegation, and in Jamie O’Hara that is exactly what they got.

Before agreeing a loan deal with Portsmouth, Tottenham ensured the long term services of the player, tying him down to a four-year deal with the club, showing that Portsmouth are not the only ones who see potential in the youngster. The midfielder has had an immediate impact at Fratton Park, with performances, if not always results, improving game by game.

O’Hara is an incredibly versatile midfielder, something that is likely to become key to Portsmouth as the squad inevitably suffers injuries throughout the season. Whilst the attacking side of O’Hara’s game is often highlighted, his defensive attributes are often overlooked. The midfielder has shown he is up for the battle at Fratton Park, working harder than any of the other player on the pitch, showing the Pompey faithful that even on a cold, rainy mid-December night at the Reebok, he would give 110%.

O’Hara also offers something that Portsmouth has lacked in recent years, a quality set piece taker. The ratio of the clubs goals that centre back Younes Kaboul has scored this season has raised a few eyebrows and has led to criticism of the Pompey strike force, however when coupled with O’Hara’s ability to swing a set piece in, it becomes less surprising. Despite this, O’Hara is not guilty of just assisting Pompey’s goals. A fortnight ago at Ewood Park, O’Hara turned from provider to goal scorer, crashing a shot from 30 yards into the bottom corner giving the South coast side the lead, albeit in a game they would ultimately lose.

The Spurs youngster has proved since his arrival in late August that he is going to be the fulcrum of the Portsmouth midfield and will play a key role in their bid for survival. As long as O’Hara avoids injury and stays focused on and off the field, Pompey fans will be confident of their chances of survival.