Andy O'Brien was seen by most fans as the only decent player Allan Perrin signed, a good track record with bags of Premiership even Champions League experience joining for a at the time a club record fee of £2million has become a forgotten man at Portsmouth, with only one first team start this season after last season being a first team regular.
His lack of first team football has seemingly for the time being ended his international career as well after being passed over by Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton again for the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales this weekend.
While other clubs have been interested in signing the 27 year old defender on loan as yet no acceptable offers have been received, O'Brien feels that he needs to permanently leave Fratton Park to get his career back on track.
Talking to The News O'Brien said "It's been the worst year of my career in terms of appearances and not being involved in big games at international level.
"Why I find myself in that position you'll have to ask the manager because my attitude has been spot-on and I've not given an excuse to question that. And I'll continue to do that.
"The reserves is not a great place to ply your trade but you turn up and give it your best because you have a duty first and foremost as a human being. I've brought up that way.
"But I've started one game in a calendar year and that's not enough. I'm also out of Republic of Ireland's squad. It's fair enough to say I knew the longer this went on I would be the looser and I have been proved right.
"Linvoy's been fantastic and Sol's been very good but it's been frustrating that my efforts from Monday to Friday in training had not had a bearing.
"I'm involved only if there are injuries and that as a stimulation to a footballer is not ideal so I hope the situation will connect itself.
"I'm not bitter in the slightest, I get on really well with Linvoy, Sol, Noe and Dejan but I'm fifth choice after them and the likelihood of them all being injured at the same time has been very minimal.
"I don't need anybody to spell it out to me. I'm well aware of the situation and hopefully it will get resolved. It's fair to say I don't think Harry would stand in my way if the club got something they were happy with and hopefully that will materialise.
"I've got two years left on my contract but to only start one game in the Premier League in 12 months is not enough.
"I've had opportunities to go on loan but I don't see the point. That would be papering over the cracks to a certain extent because I'd still be reporting back for pre-season.
"I'm not 35 or 36 – and I say that because Andy Cole has gone on loan because he wants to play. Personally I don't want to go out on loan.
"I think the lack of football. I've had something more than a loan is what I need. Manchester City made an approach to take me on loan and I was lead to believe they made an offer for me on the transfer deadline but it was not acceptable to the club so I didn't go.
"Unfortunately it didn't materialise. But at the end of the day I have a duty to give my best to Portsmouth and thats what I'll continue to do."