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From Pompey hero who broke Norwich hearts to 14 months without a game

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It was an iconic Pompey goal which sparked a magical piece of football commentary.

Yet while Andre Green’s contribution to Blues history is assured, his career has since largely fallen off the radar for various reasons.

The Aston Villa loanee swooped at the death to claim a memorable 1-0 victory at Norwich in the FA Cup the last time the sides met in January 2019.

Yet subsequently for the ex-England under-21 international there have been failed Championship moves, two years in Slovakia, and an injury which has now sidelined him for 14 months.

Andre Green and his Pompey team-mates celebrate his dramatic winner at Norwich in January 2019. Picture: Joe PeplerAndre Green and his Pompey team-mates celebrate his dramatic winner at Norwich in January 2019. Picture: Joe Pepler

Andre Green and his Pompey team-mates celebrate his dramatic winner at Norwich in January 2019. Picture: Joe Pepler | PinPep Media / Joe Pepler

Indeed, approaching six years since that wonderful Carrow Road moment, Green’s once highly-promising career clearly hasn’t had the lift-off many anticipated.

Pompey host the Canaries on Tuesday night (7.45pm), representing the first encounter between the clubs since Kenny Jackett’s men claimed that FA Cup third round triumph.

At the time the Blues led League One, with Norwich pushing for the Premier League, and what unfolded was a cup shock inflicted by Green.

The players’ celebrations were conducted in front of the travelling Pompey faithful, while BBC Radio Solent’s Andy Moon’s commentary earned Match of the Day billing.

Nonetheless, it was a blow to Pompey losing a player who had netted five times in 12 appearances, albeit in an injury-hit spell, during a scheduled season-long loan.

Ben Thompson embraces match-winner Andre Green following Pompey's 1-0 triumph at Norwich in January 2019. Picture: Joe PeplerBen Thompson embraces match-winner Andre Green following Pompey's 1-0 triumph at Norwich in January 2019. Picture: Joe Pepler

Ben Thompson embraces match-winner Andre Green following Pompey's 1-0 triumph at Norwich in January 2019. Picture: Joe Pepler | PinPep Media / Joe Pepler

Following their return to the Premier League, Villa loaned Green to Championship clubs Preston and Charlton in 2019-20, achieving little fanfare in recognition of his performances, before releasing him in the summer of 2020.

There was a 15-game spell at Sheffield Wednesday, before joining Slovan Bratislava, where he twice won the Slovakian Super Liga title and was involved in the Champions League in a successful two-year stay.

Then, in August 2023, Green returned to England with Rotherham - yet has so far appeared just 10 times.

He ruptured his Achilles in October 2023 and hasn’t featured for the League One side since, although recently returned in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Doncaster.

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‘He'll be involved before Christmas. In terms of building him up to be starting games, it might be into January before we get him there.

‘Andre said he was particularly tired after his 20-minute cameo. And that was in a training-ground game that doesn't carry the pressures and intensity of a league match.’

In the meantime, Pompey and Norwich meet again at last, this time on Championship terms rather than in a January 2019 cup encounter - nonetheless that special Andre Green moment seems like only yesterday.

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