Warnock rubbishes Pompey link

3:48pm Friday 22nd February 2008

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NEIL Warnock has laughed off rumours suggesting Portsmouth are about to swoop for Lee Hills.

The 17-year-old has been a revelation since making his debut against Watford in October and has made 10 first team appearances.

Hills grabbed his first goal for the Eagles with a wonder strike in Monday's 1-1 draw at Bristol City, prompting speculation Pompey were about to line up a £3m bid.

However, Warnock says the story has no foundation whatsoever and believes Hills would be best off continuing his football education at Selhurst Park.

He said: "That all came from a comment I made in his first game against Watford when I played him and I spoke to Harry Redknapp the next day about something else.

"Harry asked me who was that left-back, so that is where it came from.

"I'm sure Harry knows he needs older players than Lee in the situation they are in, so I don't expect anything from them. I think it is just talk."

The manager added: "When you look at the players I've been linked with in the last few weeks, 99 per cent of them have been ridiculous.

"You get people ringing you up or reporters asking you about so and so and the next day I'm supposed to be signing them.

"It is something we have to live with, but it is one of the most annoying things about management being linked with players like that."

Warnock has plenty of experience of bringing young talent through the ranks at Bramall Lane and cited the example of Phil Jagielka.

The former Blades defender has enjoyed an impressive start to his career at Champions League hopefuls Everton since his move from Sheffield United in the summer and Warnock believes Hills could follow in his footsteps.

He explained: "Lee needs games and experience. It is a very similar situation to Phil Jagielka.

"Jagielka now is looking a very competent centre half in the top four of the Premier League and that is because he had 200 games under me before he was 22.

"It is good for these kids to get experience and it always stands them in good stead.

"I'm sure Lee will play Premiership football in his lifetime, but at the moment he is a bit away from it. The best thing he can do is get games under his belt at this level."