Ferry: I'm fit and ready to play

The Scottish midfielder made his first appearance for Pompey as a second-half substitute in yesterday’s friendly, after completing his move to Fratton Park earlier this week.

He missed most of pre-season.

But the former Swindon man is confident he is in good shape.

He’s been putting in the hours at the gym over the summer.

Ferry said: ‘If the manager wants me to play, I am more than ready.

‘I am definitely fit enough to get through a game.

‘I’ve been running every day over the summer. I am fit - it’s just about getting my sharpness on the ball back again now. I could definitely start – 100 per cent.’

It’s been an uncertain period for the former Celtic man as he had to bide his time to sign for the Blues, despite a host of other offers coming in for him.

But after a short trial period with Yeovil, his patience was rewarded this week.

He is excited at the challenge ahead, even though he is stepping down into League Two.

He said: ‘I had to wait and see and there were a few other things on the table.

‘But none of them were as exciting as Portsmouth.

‘I was starting to panic a bit towards the end because I was waiting and waiting.

‘It doesn’t bother me playing in League Two – I have done it before.

‘But I don’t think you will get a better buzz than playing in front of 18,000 people.

‘I wanted to play for a big club and in front of big crowds.‘

Ferry now faces an important week on the training pitch with some extra sessions planned to catch up on the sharpness he feels he needs.

He said: ‘This is the first time I have missed a pre-season but I wanted to keep myself fit. I was at the gym every day.

‘It’s not quite the same as being in training and getting your touch back.

‘But I know this is an important week for me and I’m ready to work really hard.

‘In the three days I have trained, myself and the fitness coach have done some work after training with the ball to sharpen me up.

‘A bit more of that this week and I will feel a lot better.’