Last year’s Premier League bottom club Portsmouth have secured the loan signing of Jonathan Hogg until the end of the season, fending off interest from Championship rivals Leeds and Middlesbrough in the process. The 22-year-old’s Villa, and indeed football career, was in serious doubt in recent times after sustaining a string of serious injuries. However, a loan spell at Darlington last term and impressive performance in the reserves were enough to see Houllier bring Hogg into the starting XI at Villa Park due to injury absences of Reo-Coker and Petrov. He made his league debut against Manchester United in the 2-2 draw, catching the eye with an assured and tireless display. Since then the no-nonsense defensive midfielder has continued to remain unfazed at the top level though returns from injuries and the signing of Jean Makoun have limited his chances at Villa Park. His decent early form was enough to earn him a new long-term contract with the club and now he will head south for what will hopefully be a valuable run in first team football at a highly competitive level. Houllier was keen to praise the midfielder and hopes that the new deal will be of benefit for both parties, stating: “Jonathan has competed very well in the games he has played this season and this loan move will greatly assist in his career development.”
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