Kanu says the Portsmouth players want Hart to stay

Portsmouth striker Kanu believes caretaker manager Paul Hart should be given the job permanently.

The Nigerian, 32, who has yet to decide whether to stay at Pompey, says he and his team-mates want to play for Hart.

"He has kept us in the Premier League and the players want him to stay", Kanu told The News.

Midfielder Hayden Mullins has also backed Hart, who has been in temporary charge of Portsmouth since February following the departure of Tony Adams.

Hart, helped by assistant boss Brian Kidd, guided the club to Premier League safety with 17 points from 14 games.

Kanu, who joined Portsmouth from West Brom in 2006, has the option of another year on his contract but has not yet decided whether to take it.

The forward said he would be tempted to stay at Fratton Park if Hart was made permanent manager.

"I have offers from France, Italy, Germany, Qatar, the United States and Japan but it's likely I'm going to be at Portsmouth next season," said Kanu.

606: DEBATE Hart is a good youth team man but not, in my opinion, a Premier League manager frattonmanaus

"Portsmouth appreciate what I have done for them and I would like to stay.

"I want to play for Paul Hart as well. He has done a great job. Every player wants to play for him. He has got the experience and the players want him to stay."

Mullins, 30, also backed Hart to become permanent boss. "He has done brilliantly and I think he deserves it," the midfielder said.

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