Back-heel inspiration George Byers on what else he has in his locker to help Portsmouth's play-off bid
For a Pompey side lacking inspiration in recent months, it was a back-heel which provided it.
George Byers had been handed a maiden start in 10 matches – and his first under the Cowleys.
Then, on 27 minutes against Bristol Rovers, Ronan Curtis fed a pass into him on the left.
The loanee from Swansea, who has been noticeably overlooked for first-team starts, then back-heeled the ball back into the path of Curtis.
The Irishman did the rest, registering his 13th goal of the season in a 1-0 triumph, relegating the visitors in the process.
And for Byers, it signalled a tantalising glimpse of the difference he can make to Pompey’s team.
He told The News: ‘Ronan was running with the ball and I tried to run away to give him some space.
‘Then we played a little one-two – and he did the hard part by putting it away after.
‘It was a nice goal and a good time in the game to give us the lead.
‘To score is a great feeling for me, but setting up my team-mates is really important and I am happy Ronan managed to get the goal in the end.
‘I feel I’ve got both sides. In terms of scoring goals I can do that, but obviously get assists as well.
‘I’m a confident player, I believe in my ability and feel I’ve got things like that in my locker that can unlock a defence and create chances for the boys.
‘If I get a chance to do it, then I will.’
Byers had been used sparingly by Kenny Jackett, who recruited him on loan from Swansea in January.
However, successor Cowley opted to recall the 24-year-old to feature in a 3-4-2-1 system introduced for the visit of Joey Barton’s Rovers.
Byers added: ‘The Gaffer gave me a chance on Saturday and hopefully I’ve done enough to play the next game against Accrington.
‘He has trusted me to go and put in a performance and help the other boys.
‘It was nice to get an assist and play at the top of the pitch. That’s what you are judged on at the end of the day.
‘So it was important for me to contribute against Bristol Rovers in terms of a goal threat.’
A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron
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