New Portsmouth signing Danny Webber has revealed how training with former club Manchester United in the summer helped him win a Fratton Park deal.

Released by Sheffield United, Webber said: "You see a lot of pre-season games and it's frustrating sitting there on a Saturday watching football go by when you should be part of it.

"You hope something will come along but you do worry that you've gone off the radar a little bit, especially in the Championship where you are playing what is not seen as attractive football.

"You've got to keep positive, though, and keep up your fitness. I spent a few weeks training with Manchester United through the summer because I needed to get my core fitness.

"Then as soon as the season started I came off that and basically it was down to my own desires, such going to the gym off my back.

"I'd go on my old school cross-country run and all sorts, just to keep myself up for it and ready for when something came along.

"I've been trying to get my friends to help. Just to have somebody do it with you helps. These are the things you have to do to get yourself fit. As much as they didn't want to do it I made sure they did.

"As far as I was concerned, I needed to be in a position to have a certain fitness level which meant I could go into a club and train straight away. Thankfully I have done that.

"Now having sat out the past two months not playing football, it's refreshing to think there might be a game at the end of my training."