Belhad and Kanu back for Pompey

Algerian loan signing Nadir Belhadj and Nigerian striker Kanu are set to make their first appearances in the Portsmouth squad at home to Middlesbrough.

However, manager Harry Redknapp is reluctant to change the 3-5-2 line-up which scored a notable 3-0 win at Everton last time out and is still without Niko Kranjcar (ankle), Jerome Thomas (back) and Glen Little (thigh).

England’s David James, Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson have all returned fit from international duty as has Nigeria’s John Utaka.

Kanu missed the midweek trips abroad in favour of working on his fitness after a injury-plagued start to the campaign and is set to join Belhadj on the bench.

Team from: James; Johnson, Kaboul, Campbell, Distin, Traore, Diop, Diarra, Davis, Defoe, Crouch, Belhadj, Kanu, Utaka, Hreidarsson, Mvuemba, Lauren, Sahar, Hughes, Ashdown.