Portsmouth midfielder Arnold Mvuemba hopes the New Year will bring him a change of luck.
Mvuemba wants first team football
Portsmouth midfielder Arnold Mvuemba hopes the New Year will bring him a change of luck.
For the 22-year-old has only made one Carling Cup start and two substitute appearances for Pompey so far this season following his £2 million summer transfer from Rennes.
Mvuemba, who initially came to Fratton Park last January on loan, has admitted he is frustrated by his lack of first-team opportunities.
But he is prepared to fight for his place.
He told The News: "Of course every player wants to play, but the manager decides who plays. If he gives me a chance, I will take it.
"I understand the manager's position. The team is playing well, he has some very good players here, but it doesn't change the fact that I need to play.
Play
"I was bought in the summer but now I don't play at all. I came to Portsmouth to play - not to watch the games."
He added: "'It's very difficult for a player when you don't play. I train with the players all week and then at the weekend, I watch the game. But I am a professional and I have to wait."
The impending exodus of players to the African Cup of Nations may give Mvuemba a chance, but he could also move in the January transfer window.
He added: "I don't know what will happen at the moment. If the manager says that he doesn't need me, I will see what happens in the transfer window.
"But I want to stay if the manager needs me to stay and play.
Chance
"I don't know if I will get a chance in January. The manager may decide to sign more players."
Mvuemba finds it hard playing reserve team football after regular first team appearances in France.
He said: "In France, I had been playing first-team games for five years, I played 40 games, so it is difficult to come here and only play in the reserve games.
"Mostly we play against very young players. But it's my job and I must be professional."
