Portsmouth star Nwanko Kanu may be regarded as the club's super-sub, but the veteran insists that he won't settle for the bench.

The Nigerian hadn't scored since September against Blackburn, finding his first team opportunities limited - a situation that wasn't helped by his African Cup of Nations absence.

Now, with his contract set to expire in the summer, Kanu plans to force his way into the side despite the form of current strike duo Jermain Defoe and Milan Baros.

"Whenever I come on it's my chance to contribute and work hard for the team," the 31-year-old said.

"Yesterday (Wednesday) I scored a goal as well - I haven't done that for a while - and helped the team win, so it was pleasing.

"But for me, every player who sits on the bench doesn't enjoy it, you want to be out there playing and I am no different.

"As a substitute, it is always difficult. The first 10 minutes is hard, it takes time to adjust to the speed of the game - it is 10 minutes after that when you get into it.

"You need time to make an impact but as a substitute it doesn't happen.

"It can be annoying, especially in a game like this when we have more chances to score more goals.

"I want to spend the rest of the season starting matches, not as a substitute."