Under-21 ace hopes for more playing time

Martin Cranie was given limited playing time at Portsmouth last season, but with Glen Johnson’s proposed move to Liverpool reported to be near completion, Cranie hopes for more playing time next season.

The 22 year-old, who is presently in Sweden with the England under-21s preparing for their semi-final against Sweden, said: “I’m not sure what’s going on with Glen Johnson I haven’t really heard too much but I’ll wait and see what happens when I go back, but hopefully I’ll get more chances next season”

Cranie did enough to impress Harry Redknapp at Southampton that the manager took him with him to Portsmouth in 2007. With Glen Johnson’s impressive form and Redknapp departing leaving for Tottenham, the young right-back’s chances were limited.

Impressive performances for the under-21s though will have done his chances no harm. With a new manager likely to take over at the start of next season, Cranie will be hoping that whoever that may be will be keeping a close eye on events in Sweden.