DAVE BEASANT knows that tomorrow he faces an unenviable task when he is asked to step into the shoes of Aaron Flahavan.

Portsmouth open their Division 1 campaign at Wolves after one of the most emotional weeks at the club following the death on Sunday in a car crash of young goalkeeper, Aaron Flahavan.

Pompey acted swiftly by signing the 42-year-old former Saints 'keeper on a four-month contract - Beasant (pictured right) had been released by Nottingham Forest during the close season.

Ironically, Beasant had a short spell on loan at Wolves before signing for Saints for £300,000 from Chelsea in 1993, going on to play 107 times.

He said: "It's good to be back on the south coast, it's another challenge for me, but sadly my return is in difficult circumstances.

"Everyone knows my last time here by the sea was at Southampton, but I have also been to a few other clubs. Wherever I have played I have given my very best.

"I am looking forward to hearing the fans behind the Fratton End goal give me encouragement.

"They are a vocal lot and have given me some stick down the years. But I am here now, I've come to do a job and do it well."

Beasant would love to get a longer contract with Pompey, and so is out to prove himself over the next few months.

He said he was in good shape and wants to do his best.

"If I do well, hopefully the club will be doing well, and if I can show by my performances that I am worth a longer contract, that will be great," he said.

Pompey boss Graham Rix had no qualms about signing up the experienced Beasant, and knows he can be relied upon as a safe pair of hands.

He explained: "I had several options regarding just what keeper I needed to bring in. But Dave Beasant is the right sort of person for the job.

"He knew Flav well and has had many ups and downs in his own career, but he has survived to carry on playing at the high standard that he has done.

"Dave is the sort of person we need at this time. He played all but one match for Forest last season. He's a good acquisition."