It has been a season of mixed fortunes for Utaka who has both delighted and frustrated with his Pompey displays. But regardless of his fluctuating form he remains a key figure in Redknapp's plans.

Captured from French club Rennes for £7million in the summer he has managed just five goals and been hampered by a hamstring injury but Redknapp said: "It's great to get John back in the team and playing again. He is important to us.

"He's come back from injury but we won't be resting him. He needs to play some games before Wembley.

"He has been up and down to be honest. He started ever-so well for the first few games, then went off the boil a bit. But he has still scored some fantastic goals.

"It's his first year here and he's got to adjust. He's been playing in France and it is a different pace over there. He has had to learn how to put a shift in, working up and down that right flank but he's getting there. John will be here next year, without a doubt, and I'm sure he'll produce what we know he's capable of."