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Chelsea starlet Sahar joins Pompey on loan

01/07/2008

Chelsea striker Ben Sahar has signed for Premier League rivals Portsmouth on a six-month loan deal.

The 18-year-old, who is an Israeli international, joins the FA Cup winners until the turn of the year.

And manager Harry Redknapp is expected to use the youngster as an impact substitute during the first half of the season to bolster his attacking options behind his first-choice strikers.

Sahar, who has previously had loan spells at Championship clubs Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday, said he is looking forward to making the step up to the Premier League.

And he admitted the fact that Pompey will be playing European football next season was "a factor" in his decision to opt for Fratton Park ahead of a number of other interested clubs.

"We have seen Portsmouth are a great team who can win trophies," he said.

"They are now in Europe and that will be a big challenge as well.

"But I came here to be part of a team and to play, so hopefully I can do well. I'm just waiting for the new season to start."

He continued: "I've always wanted to be part of a Premier League team and I'm happy to be at Portsmouth.

"I've heard a lot of good things about Harry Redknapp, the club and the staff and they obviously had a very good season [in 2007/08], so I'm happy to be here."