HARRY REDKNAPP is hoping a Fratton Park connection will help him solve his striker shortage.

He is bringing South African forward Siyabonga Nomvete over for a trial after the player impressed during the Concafaf Gold Cup currently going on in America.

Nomvete is a close friend of his former Kaiser Chiefs strike partner Collins Mbesum, who has joined Portsmouth on a three-year deal.

Though FIFA have rejected Pompey's work permit application, Saints' south coast neighbours have appealed.

And if Mbesum does stay local, that would increase Saints' chances of landing Nomvete for a nominal sum if he impresses.

Nomvete has been with Italian club Udinese for the last four years but has failed to win a regular place in their team.

Has never been able to win a regular place in their side and has been loaned out to Salernitana and Empoli, helping the latter to promotion from Serie B last season.

Siyabonga scored against Slovenia during the last World Cup finals to give his country their only ever win in the finals stages.

He starred in the recent Concafaf Gold Cup tournament in America which saw the Bafana Bafana sent a third-choice side but end up reaching the quarter-finals.

Nomvete, 28, scored in a 2-1 win against Jamaica and was also impressive in a victory against Mexico.

His agent, Mike Makaab, added: "It's premature to say that he's going to sign. We'll have to wait and see."

Nomvete, a former South African player of the year, is renowned for his blistering pace and last summer attracted the attentions of Millwall, whose boss then was of course Saints midfielder Dennis Wise.

Nomvete was once described as 'South Africa's' Michael Owen by then Sunderland boss Peter Reid after the player burst onto the scene in 1998/99.

Reid invited Nomvete to the Stadium of Light for a trial five years ago but, with Kevin Phillips then in his prime, the manager didn't pursue his interest.