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Gekas demands respect

Image: Gekas: Yet to play for Pompey

Theofanis Gekas has hit out at the 'disrespectful treatment' he has received since joining Portsmouth.

Greek striker unhappy with treatment

Theofanis Gekas has hit out at the 'disrespectful treatment' he has received since joining Portsmouth. The Greece international moved to Fratton Park on loan in the winter transfer window and he will not return to Bayer Leverkusen until the end of the season. However, he has yet to make an appearance for Pompey and is deeply disappointed that manager Paul Hart will not give him an opportunity. It is understood that Hart does not want to throw Gekas into action until he has seen him play for the reserves, but the 28-year-old striker believes he has proven his goalscoring credentials in the past. Gekas, who has netted 13 times at international level, thinks he should be playing regularly and has demanded answers from Hart. "I don't deserve something like this, such treatment. I think my CV is worthy of respect," Gekas told The News. "Through my efforts on the field in the past year, I've shown people what I'm capable of. I deserve more respect.

No explanation

"I didn't walk away from Leverkusen - a club going for the German Championship - in order to come over here, at a club fighting for survival only, and being seated in the stands. "I didn't come here just to train with the rest of the team. "I don't care if there's a new manager, I only know Mr Hart (below) keeps ignoring me without even giving me a single, simple, explanation. "He should give me a chance first and then, if I fail, he can judge me." Gekas was an unused substitute in Tony Adams' last game in charge and, after sitting on the bench again against Manchester City, he has not featured in Hart's last three squads.

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