Burton expected to return to Pompey

Is Deon going back to Pompey?

Speculation is rising about the future of Rams striker Deon Burton. The Jamaican International has been sidelined in recent weeks due to a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his foot.

He received the injury whilst on loan at Portsmouth but has expressed his interest in going back to Pompey once the bone has healed.

Burton is currently undergoing treatment at Lilleshall. The FA’s rehabilitation centre. His treatment has included sessions in an oxygen tent, which is said to dramatically decrease the recovery time from injury.

A recent quote of “I don’t seem to be in their plans” from Burton indicates that he doesn’t hold out much hope of gaining a first team place in the Rams side when

Harry Redknapp wants Burton on a free transfer

he is fully fit. Jim Smith, second in command at Fratton Park, on the other hand is hopeful of getting Burton back at Portsmouth. Smith has groomed Deon since he was an apprentice when The Bald Eagle was manger there before moving on to Derby County and taking Burton with him.

Burton has said how he is also enjoying some great service from another ex Premiership player, Paul Merson. He said the former England International had “a great range of passes”. This has enabled him to score goals whilst on loan with Portsmouth.

Harry Redknapp, Pompey manager, has said that,” We are just waiting to see what happens. We’re not going to buy him though. It’s a case of whether Derby will let him go on a free, or whether they decide to hold out for a fee for him.