Pompey boss Harry Redknapp continues to protest striker Yakubu Ayegbini remains nothing but a raw talent despite the Nigerian serving up more evidence to the contrary last night.

Second-half substitute Ayegbini proved to be the star of the show at the City Ground when a thundering drive allied to a sensational solo effort helped propel Pompey to a 4-2 extra-time Carling Cup victory.

Ayegbini had arrived at Derby County during the summer of 2002 but John Gregory, the then Rams manager, could not afford Maccabi Haifa's asking price and the pacy frontman, pictured, instead moved to Fratton Park on loan for the rest of the season.

But after helping Pompey to last term's Division One title, Ayegbini joined on a permanent basis during the summer.

Redknapp said: "He is a young lad, works hard and he is strong too but this season he has not been scoring the goals his overall play has deserved.

"He is still a raw talent, but they were two incredible goals - they were superb goals."

Ayegbini had been thrown into the fray as a second-half substitute with Pompey trailing 1-0 at the interval.

Eugen Bopp had netted for Forest before a Des Walker own goal handed the visitors a lifeline after the break.

Ayegbini powered Pompey into the lead with a thunderous drive from 18 yards before Bopp scrambled a 67th-minute equaliser to force extra-time.

On-loan West Brom striker Jason Roberts bagged the visitors' third before Ayegbini embarked on a 45-yard dribble from near the centre circle which ended with Ward helpless on the turf as the ball was nonchalantly stroked home.