The teenage Israel striker, who is on loan for six months from Chelsea after helping Sheffield Wednesday avoid the Championship drop last season, knows the new Defoe-Crouch tandem is blocking his path to a first-team spot with Pompey.

But Sahar fired a double in a 4-0 pre-season friendly win against Havant and Waterlooville on Tuesday to impress manager Harry Redknapp.

And he is pushing for at least a place on the substitutes' bench in the FA Community Shield match with Barclays Premier League champions Manchester United on Sunday - his 19th birthday.

good players

Sahar, who cannot be included in Pompey's squad for the opening Barclays Premier League match of the season against parent-club Chelsea the following Sunday, has already seen Fratton Park front-line rivals David Nugent [groin] and Kanu [dead leg] struck down by injuries in the build-up.

He admits: "Wembley would be great, especially on my birthday - and against United as well.

"Obviously I want to play every game but we have good strikers, which makes it difficult because I want to show people I can play and score a few goals.

"I'm happy to have the opportunity to fight for a place with such good players. It is not something I fear. I enjoy the competition and if I get my chance I want to make sure I take it.

"The longer pre-season has gone, the sharper I'm feeling and with big games coming up I want to be part of them as well."