Allan delighted with maiden strike

The talented Scot ensured the Blues remain in the Championship for another game with the opener in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last night.

The 20-year-old’s 32nd-minute strike came with the aid of a significant deflection off Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne.

Allan didn’t care about that, though, and was delighted to open his Pompey account with a key goal.

It was a strike the talent – on loan from West Brom – has been threatening since he joined Michael Appleton’s men.

So he was pleased to see it finally arrive at the 12th time of asking.

Allan said: ‘I’ve seen a gap and I’ve hit the ball.

‘Lucky enough for me it ended up in the back of the net.

‘I’ve been waiting for that for a while, to be honest. It’s been coming, so I’m glad to have got it at last.’

Last night’s results means Bristol City still need to collect two points from their final two games to relegate Pompey.

That’s the minimum return the Robins are likely to need, with the Blues having a far superior goal difference.

They entertain out-of-form Barnsley on Saturday, with Derby coming to Fratton Park.

Allan feels the weight of expectation is off his side.

He said: ‘There’s always hope while it’s mathematically possible.

‘We need to take care of our business and hopefully things will go in our favour elsewhere.

‘We just need to look after ourselves and see what happens.

‘The pressure is off a wee bit.’