New recruit backs Pompey to climb

But Joe Mattock has already seen enough to convince him Pompey have a bright season ahead.

The left-back was granted an instant debut against Leicester – 48 hours after his on-loan arrival from West Bromwich Albion.

Michael Appleton’s side went on to be held to a 1-1 draw by the Foxes – largely due to brilliance of visiting keeper Kasper Schmeichel.

But while admitting the Blues should have claimed all three points, Mattock has tipped his new team to begin the march up the Championship table.

Had it not been for the superb Schmeichel, it would have been a comfortable home victory for Pompey at Fratton Park on Saturday.

That was a view shared by Mattock, who was impressed by his new team-mates.

And from what he saw against the Foxes, he believes the Blues will soon be reaping the rewards.

He said: ‘It was a tough game. A really tough game.

‘It was my first game for Portsmouth and also a big one as I used to play for Leicester, so I wanted to get a result on the board.

‘It was a good result in the end and I thought we played really well but we deserved to win it.

‘The lads put so much effort in. I thought we played some terrific football in the second half and were unfortunate to concede the goal.

‘Obviously I have only been training with the team for the past couple of days so it was a good chance to see what the lads can do.

‘But they are a good bunch and there is a good bit of talent in the team.

‘It’s unfortunate we are where we are in the league but I reckon there are some good results to come.

‘We were definitely much better in the second half. We really caused them problems.

‘Without doubt I’m encouraged about the season for Portsmouth.

‘With the talent in the side that I can see and good fans who are behind us 100 per cent, I think we will have some good results coming soon.’

Mattock is scheduled to remain at Fratton Park until January 2.

The former England under-21 international started at left-back on Saturday, ending Tal Ben Haim’s ever-present league record this season.

Instead the Israel defender had to watch from the bench as the 21-year-old provided plenty of attacking impetus down the left flank.

In the end it was spoils shared as former Blues striker David Nugent cancelled out David Norris’ deflected opener during a lively second half.

The visitors were certainly indebted to their goalkeeper Schmeichel to helping them claim a point.

And Mattock believes Pompey did more than enough to have earned a victory on Appleton’s home bow.

He added: ‘Leicester are a good side, no doubt about it.

‘They have spent a lot of money on their team and I thought we did really well.

‘It was unfortunate to just get a draw but sometimes that is the way it goes.

‘It was a great save by Schmeichel against Kits, too. I was already running away thinking it was a goal. I was celebrating.

‘We were unfortunate not to get a win out of it but that’s just the way things go sometimes.

‘We’ll get the rub of the green soon and there will be some good results.’