A 'disappointed' Steve Coppell has expressed his surprise with Glen Little's decision to join Portsmouth, hinting that the winger still owed Reading a debt of gratitude following his recent injury struggles.

Little played just twice for The Royals last season as he battled back from a serious Achilles injury but, following the club's relegation, make the shock switch to Pompey after four years at The Madejski Stadium.

Coppell was clearly taken aback by Little's decision and has admitted he expected the 32-year-old to stay in Berkshire.

"I am disappointed, although I can understand why Glen has taken that decision," Coppell told the club's official website.

"After the injury problems he's had for the last 15 months I thought he would stick with us - it's almost as though he had unfinished business here.

"We had agreed a deal with Glen but he has opted to stay in The Premier League, and now he faces the challenge of staying fit and getting into their team."