Obita targets starting berth

The on-loan Reading man made the perfect start to his Blues career after he netted the equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Colchester with his very first touch of the ball.

And with hamstring victim Lee Williamson expected to miss the trip to Cumbria, there’s a place up for grabs in Michael Appleton’s starting XI.

Obita said: ‘Of course I’d like to start at Carlise but if I don’t then it’s up to me to make an impact if I get the chance (as a sub) and keep impressing when I can.

‘In my previous loans – at Barnet I was on the bench a lot but at Gillingham I started most games.

‘Now it’s up to me to impress the manager here.

‘You can’t just come in a few hours before a game and expect to start.

‘I’m new and I’m young so I know I have to prove myself to everyone here. It’s up to me to show what I can do.’

The 18-year-old adds versatility to Appleton’s options and clearly has quality after being selected for England at both under-18 and under-19 level.

While he’s unsure how long he will be at Pompey, he’s keen to make his mark.

‘I can play on the left, right, off the striker or up front and I’m happy to play any of those positions,’ added Obita.

‘I don’t know how long I’ll be here but we will have to see where things are with Reading at the end of the month.

‘It’ll depend if they want me back but it’s a great club here and I might be able to stay longer.

‘There is a fresh feel about the club. Everyone has made me feel welcome and everyone wants to do well.’