Westerveld stays loyal to Pompey

Westerveld Burnley links denied

Sander Westerveld has vowed to play a part in Portsmouth's new regime under new co-owner Alexandre Gaydamak.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper is second choice behind Jamie Ashdown but is determined to take his chance now Ashdown is sidelined.

"I want to stay at Pompey and fight for my place," said Westerveld.

"This is an exciting club to be at. The team spirit is fantastic and I hope to be part of the club's future under Milan Mandaric and Gaydamak."

Westerveld wanted to assure Pompey fans of his commitment to the club after he was quoted in Sunday's News of the World newspaper criticising the club, the facilities and his team-mates.

But the Dutchman claims he was "misquoted and misrepresented" and wants to set the record straight.

"I would never, never say anything which is considered to be disrespectful to Portsmouth," said Westerveld.

"I want to tell you that I am very happy at Pompey and am enjoying the current spell of being first-choice keeper.

"I am angry that such reports could affect my relationship with the chairman, co-owner, fans, my team-mates, manager and everyone else at the club."

The former Liverpool stopper joined Portsmouth last July as a free agent from Real Sociedad following a loan spell at Real Mallorca.

He began this season as first-choice, but lost his place after a series of high-profile blunders.