Pompey's fox in the box ready to pounce on League Two

And Nicke Kabamba has been backed to hit the goal trail for the Blues when he’s let off the leash.

Jamal Lowe believes his team-mate has the predatory instincts to make a mark for Paul Cook’s side.

Kabamba followed up his Football League debut last Saturday with his fourth reserve goal in as many games against Sheffield United on Monday night.

Lowe knows all about the qualities the 23-year-old offers from their time at Hampton & Richmond.

He said: ‘Nicke scores goals for fun.

‘He’s a bit lanky – arms and legs all over the place. If you run next to him you will end up getting elbowed in the face – by accident, of course!

‘There’s no doubt he’s one of the hardest working players I’ve worked with. He never stops running.

‘He can hold the ball up and he’ll grab a goal for you. He can head and dribble, too. He’s a bit of everything.

‘Finishing is his strong point, though. He’s not shy of the goal.

‘He’s a six-yard-box poacher, a fox in the box.

‘It’s instinct. Right place, right time. That’s the type of player he is. You won’t see him miss too many or hit the ball off target that often.’

Kabamba has needed to sit tight since arriving at the Blues in January.

Lowe can see why with the options Pompey have in his position.

He added: ‘When you see some of the players on the bench you see why he hasn’t played. It’s a hard team to get into here.

‘You don’t want to wait for something unfortunate to happen. Everyone has to wait and bide their time.

‘There’s strong competition here – and that is healthy.’

– JORDAN CROSS