Pompey new boy’s promise to Paul Cook

The Blues’ new hitman thanked Cook for rescuing him from his Sheffield United ‘frustration’ after he arrived on loan yesterday.

McNulty agreed a deal until January, although he expects that to be extended until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old has been on Cook’s radar since the summer.

That extended pursuit has now paid off, and the Scottish talent is out to prove the Pompey boss was right to show that desire to bring him in.

McNulty said: ‘The manager has faith in me and has been chasing me for a while.

‘It’s taken a bit longer than expected, but I’m here now.

‘The fact he has been after me for a while shows he has faith in my ability.

‘Now I can’t wait to get started.

‘I’m a striker, so it’s about scoring. That’s whether it’s scoring goals or creating for others to score.

‘I like to do both. I show for the ball and link up. I can score goals and link up, too.

‘There were clubs from the league above interested, but this was the best place to come.

‘The main reason is to be part of a club the size of Portsmouth and the places this club wants to go.

‘I think we’ll do it (loan) until the end of the season.

‘The manager’s view is confidence for me so I want to repay the faith he has in me.

‘He obviously can see I can bring something to the team, and I want to show him I can do that.’

Despite firing 13 goals in League One last season, McNulty has found minutes hard to come by under new Blades boss Nigel Adkins.

He admitted that was difficult to contend with, but is now looking forward to the prospect of regular playing time.

McNulty added: ‘I’ve not been playing at Sheffield United, which was frustrating.

‘How I went from scoring 13 goals last season to being out of favour was a question on my mind.

‘But there are a lot of players in the Sheffield United squad and the manager has brought in his boys.

‘A couple of them are in my position, so I found myself down the pecking order.

‘I found myself not playing but I’ve kept myself fit and stayed clear of injuries.

‘I’ve been training every day and not playing, and it’s been very frustrating.

‘So I’m glad to be down here now and have the chance to play.

‘Of course you have different conversations along the way with the manager and ask them what’s needed to be in the team.

‘I’m not the type to cause unrest, so I’ve kept my head down and tried to be ready for my chance when it came.

‘But I’m looking to the future now, and hopefully I can play here and help the team to get promoted.’