Andy Cannon on long-awaited Portsmouth breakthrough - and he's revelling in it

Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Charlton represented a fifth successive league start for the former Rochdale man.

Since arriving at Fratton Park in January 2019, the midfielder’s presence has been restricted by injury and selection preference.

And although disappointed with the Fratton Park outcome, he reflected on his own form, which against the Addicks earned him the man of the match accolade.

He told The News: ‘I just want to play games – and I’m glad I’ve now got a good few under my belt.

‘Hopefully I can keep my spot, keep on playing, keep improving day-by-day and get back to winning ways.

‘When you haven’t played a lot of games for quite a few months, it’s hard to come into a team with players who are match fit and have played a good few games.

‘I’m playing now, every game I am feeling fitter, a little sharper, so it doesn’t surprise me that I’m feeling a bit better as well. You need games.

‘I always say to people that you require 6-7 games to get your full-on match fitness. I’ve played a few now and after four feel great, I don’t feel tired.

‘I feel I can play 90 minutes and am ready for Tuesday against Lincoln. I feel fine.’

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Cannon has also helped himself to two assists in the last week.

During Pompey’s midweek 4-0 win over Northampton, he was involved in Ronan Curtis’ goal, while his cross from the left carved out Marcus Harness’ late headed finish.

Admittedly, it took the improving 24-year-old by surprise.

He added: ‘When you are constantly thinking about things, it doesn’t happen.

‘The one time I didn’t think about anything like that, I ended up getting two assists!

‘It’s something you need to put behind you as a player, don’t think about it and it comes naturally.’

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