Stefanovic issues Pompey pledge

Stefanovic is keen to play out his days at Fratton Park

Portsmouth skipper Dejan Stefanovic is ready to commit the rest of his playing career to the Premiership club.

The 31-year-old has a year to run on his Fratton Park contract and told Pompey's website: "I would love to stay here for the rest of my career.

"Since I joined, this club has moved slowly upwards. We have a great team spirit and great individual players.

"I said when I first came here that one day I'd like to play for the club in Europe and that's now a possibility."

Stefanovic returned to action in Pompey's goalless draw at Reading on 17 March after three-and-a-half months out with a knee injury.

He said: "It was good to get back on the pitch because that was the longest time I had been out since I have been with Pompey.

"Despite the fact it was my first full game for a long period, I felt fine. Now all I'm looking to do is get some games under my belt."

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp signed Stefanovic from Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem for £1.85m in July 2003.

The former Red Star Belgrade defender had previously spent three years in the Premiership during a spell with Sheffield Wednesday.