Cook: New arrival can be a Pompey fans' favourite

That is the pledge from Paul Cook, who is convinced supporters will embrace the full-back’s attacking style.

The 29-year-old has been earmarked for the Blues’ right-back role following last week’s arrival.

He joins from League One Chesterfield, where he had served under Cook.

A striker converted into a defender earlier in his career, Talbot retains the attacking instincts.

And Pompey’s boss believes the new recruit’s playing approach will swiftly win favour with the fans.

Cook said: ‘Drew had a difficult time with injury during my final year at Chesterfield, but last term had a very good season.

‘He will be a firm fans’ favourite at Fratton Park.

‘He gives everything he has got, he wears his heart on his sleeve, he will be someone the Fratton faithful will warm to very quickly.

‘Drew was originally a striker but John Sheridan initially converted him to a full-back and he will definitely bomb on for us.

‘The lad has great energy levels, great commitment and a fantastic attitude to the game, certainly we couldn’t be happier at getting him.

‘He is over his injuries, he made 33 starts for Chesterfield last season. Obviously the injury would have been an area of concern for me but there are no issues there.

‘Drew is a great lad, he really is, I couldn’t speak highly enough of him as a person, a footballer and a trainer.

‘No disrespect to those already here, but I do feel with the lads coming in we are now going to take training up a level within the group.

‘There were times latterly last season when I felt that dropped off a little bit, but my hands were a little bit tied how I dealt with it.

‘We have got to be the best at everything at Portsmouth Football Club.’

Drew made 277 appearances and scored 19 goals during his time at the Proact Stadium before departing this summer after boss Danny Wilson opted not to hand him a new deal.

The ex-Luton man was part of Cook’s League Two title-winning side and last term featured 38 times.

Following Ben Davies’ departure, Talbot will be Cook’s first-choice right-back.

But Pompey’s boss is still on the look-out for another arrival in that position.

Cook added: ‘Drew is very versatile but is coming into play at right-back.

‘The likelihood is we will still bring someone else in in that area, that is what we are looking to do.

‘But again a lot of it depends on money and budgets, that’s the reality of the game for us all.

‘He can also play at left-back, but that is not something we are looking at.

‘We have Brandon Haunstrup there, who we really like, and of course Enda (Stevens). In that area we feel we are in good shape.’