Portsmouth boss Paul Hart admits was relaxed about bringing Kevin-Prince Boateng to Fratton Park, despite questions being asked about the player's attitude during his Tottenham days. The 22-year-old joined Portsmouth at the end of August for a reported £4 million in a bid to kick-start his Premier League career.

He has since established himself as a regular in Hart's starting XI and has bagged two goals in eight league appearances for the south coast team.

He said: "Prince has been excellent - he really has.

"I think it's there for everybody to see that he came here with a bit of a reputation, but I've not seen anything.

"He has controlled himself on the pitch; he has been excellent off it; he has been a great team member, and he will hopefully continue to blossom."

Hart added: "I did quite a bit of homework through players who worked with him and I got big ticks from everybody.

"I wasn't put off by it (negative reports about his attitude) and you only have to look at his ability."