Pompey manager Tony Adams has earlier tried to bring Pennant to Fratton Park on a permanent deal, but the club’s proposal was rejected by Liverpool.

However, the former Arsenal legend expressed his delight at loaning in Pennant, who was linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in early January.

"I've known him a long time. We were together at Arsenal a long time ago. He was the new kid on the block and a very exciting prospect,” Adams told Portsmouth’s website.

"He's quick and technically very gifted. He can have a go at defenders.

"I saw him play with Peter Crouch for Liverpool at Fulham last year and was constantly getting past their left-back and getting crosses in for Crouchie.”

Pennant joined Liverpool from Birmingham City in 2006, but the former Leeds United man failed down the pecking order at Anfield in the presence of Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel.