Comment: Pompey's happy young chap is heading in one direction

‘So Conor, have you scored many goals with your head this season?’

‘Just the goal of the season against Wycombe,’ came the instant reply from the pint-sized Blues fans’ favourite.

It was a response delivered with a smile and tongue firmly in cheek from Chaplin in the wake of his match-winning header against Cambridge United.

It was also typical of the likeable striker’s cheeky demeanour and the underlying confidence he possesses.

Chaplin has taken to life in the limelight at Pompey with the assured air of a young talent who knows his destiny.

The 19-year-old’s character is everything you’d expect it to be from watching him play.

There’s a belief reflected by his swagger on the pitch, but it’s matched by a grounded nature which makes you content he’s receiving the adulation he’s getting from the Fratton faithful.

Chaplin spoke to The News yesterday about his progress after signing the contract which ties him to Pompey until the summer of 2019.

It was an insight into his contentment, with the 19-year-old in the midst of his longest unbroken spell in Paul Cook’s starting line up.

The result is a fast-developing understanding with the trio of attacking operators behind Chaplin, who themselves are now becoming a settled formula.

With 62 senior outings to his name, Chaplin can justifiably call himself a first-team player.

And being welcomed into the bosom of the senior set-up of his team-mates has really helped the home-grown talent to fly.

Chaplin has professed his desire to fire Pompey up the leagues with his goals.

One way or the other you know that’s where he’s headed.