Olszar joins Pompey

Portsmouth today signed Polish striker Sebastian Olszar on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old, whose move is subject to international clearance, should help resolve Harry Redknapp’s striker shortage – with Aiyegbeni Yakubu at the African Nations Cup with Nigeria and Teddy Sheringham the only other fit senior forward at Fratton Park.

Former Poland Under-21s international Olszar, who has a German passport, was previously with Austrian club Herold Admira. He was on trial at Portsmouth and could now be pitched straight into the squad to face Wolves on Saturday.

The move comes only hours after Redknapp had claimed neither Olszar nor French target Frederic Piquionne was likely to be signed.

“I’ve looked at both but I don’t think we will be pushing on with them,” admitted Redknapp, who has been told publicly by chairman Milan Mandaric he can spend £2m (€2.9m) if he needs to.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth’s move to sign Anderlecht striker Ivica Mornar has been held up by the winter weather.

The Croatian international was expected in London late last night to confirm the deal and undergo a medical – but the cold snap meant Mornar was held up in Belgium.

“He’s been a bit held up but he will go straight into the team when he gets here and passes his medical,” said Redknapp.

“We need him because Teddy has had to take all the weight on his shoulders up front just lately. Ivica is proven quality. He’s a big, old-fashioned English-style forward who scored against England last season.

“He’s also got pace and good touch and scored 10 goals for Anderlecht – some of them in the Champions League – this season. He will do a good job for us.”