Nigerian International Kanu has warned Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch that he is ready to regain his place in the Portsmouth team after recovering form a dead leg and ankle problems.

England International Peter Crouch, who moved to Pompey this summer from Liverpool has formed a strong partnership alongside England teammate Jermain Defoe.

Kanu last featured for Pompey in the FA Cup final against Cardiff City in May by scoring the decisive goal.

Kanu is almost certain to be available for the Premier League clash with Middlesbrough after the International break and is looking forward to the challenge of establishing his position in Harry Redknapp's starting eleven at Fratton Park.

"I am on the comeback trail, I am feeling fine," Kanu told skysports.com.

"I am not at 100 per cent yet, but scoring last Monday was fantastic and I am delighted to play.

"I love to be on the field and now I have to try and get in the team.

"The strikers did well last week at Everton, but I will let them know that the chief is back and ready to challenge them.

"There is a good spirit in the camp and we are ready to write more good things in the Pompey sports book."