Pompey winger catches national attention

And his eye-catching Tranmere performance earned him the man-of-the-match accolade in their triumph over Wrexham.

The 21-year-old is currently on a month’s loan at Prenton Park to reap the benefits of regular first-team football.

Boss Micky Mellon recalled Tollitt to Rovers’ starting line-up for his first match in charge of the National League club.

The outcome was a 2-0 victory in Saturday’s BT Sport-televised match – and the winger weighed in with an impressive showing.

Although not getting on the scoresheet, Tollitt brought the crowd to their feet with a strong run culminating with a 30-yard shot which struck the keeper’s right-hand post.

Operating on the left flank, his display was recognised by Mellon, who, afterwards, praised his contribution.

Tranmere’s boss said: ‘The strike in the first half from Tollitt was an unbelievable strike.

‘He’s so unlucky to have not seen that go in. And he had another couple of runs with the ball and you can see the qualities he has.

‘He gives you that outlet because he’s a good ball carrier but, along with that, he’s very willing and he wants to work hard and he’s really unfortunate to not score one of the goals of the season.’

It was a third appearance for Tollitt, who was last month signed by then-caretaker boss Paul Carden.

Rovers’ assistant boss had stepped in following the dismissal of Gary Brabin after 16 months in charge.

Tollitt made his debut in a 3-1 win over Woking, while came off the bench in a midweek defeat to Gateshead.

Carden kept him as an unused substitute in a goalless draw at Dagenham – before Mellon granted a recall upon his arrival.

Tranmere now have one more league match – away at Solihull Moors – before the expiry of his initial loan spell.

Tollitt has made two Pompey appearances this season, arriving in the EFL Cup at Coventry and the Checkatrade Trophy at Yeovil.

However, he has still to make a first-team squad for League Two action.

Paul Cook activated an option to retain Tollitt for an additional 12 months in the summer.

The former Everton apprentice made 16 appearances during his maiden campaign at Fratton Park, scoring as a substitute against York.