No Favours, Hart Thinks Bopp Could Be Good Enough

He failed to play more than a handful of games at Crewe before being released from his contract two months ago, but is there a Premiership career waiting for Eugen Bopp?

His trial at Portsmouth continues, his two goals in a friendly against Havant and Waterlooville seemingly enough to prolong the trial, but how a player who has been a fringe player (at best) for a team that finished in the bottom five of League One two years running can possibly earn a contract in the Premiership is baffling.

The sceptics out there would say that Hart was just doing Bopp a favour, sticking him in the shop window. Hart did after all sign a 17 year old Eugen Bopp for Nottingham Forest some eight years ago. Hart denies this is the case and claims in fact that Bopp could still earn himself a contract at Fratton Park.

Speaking to portsmouth.co.uk, Hart said:

‘I can only speak from what I saw in him as a kid at 15-16 and he headed it, was strong, scored goals and was one of the best penalty takers I have ever seen.

‘The problem has been he hasn’t gone on. I think he’s a good player, though.

‘I don’t do old- pals’ acts. He’s got to earn that chance. He rang me at the end of last season when he was having problems at Crewe and asked if I could help out.

‘So I said ‘let me have a look at you, I’ll assess you and see where I can put you’.

‘I’ve assessed him and he’s done certain things.We’ll have to see if he can win a contract here, he’s got an opportunity.’

Bopp meanwhile is clearly delighted that a professional club showed any sort of interest after his last few years. Just don’t mention his past!

‘I had a talk with the manager here and he invited me to come and train with Portsmouth and then see how things work out after.

‘I was without a club but I am here now. I don’t want to talk too much about the past, I’d rather see into the future.’

Normally this potential transfer could be laughed off as non-starter but the way football’s headed this week I wouldn’t like to put any money on it. Even a couple of fans on Vital Portsmouth are almost convincing themselves Bopp could, maybe become a fan favourite.

Let’s not push it.