‘Best I’ve ever played in’: New Portsmouth arrival on sampling bearpit Fratton for first time against Millwall

And the Aussie new boy had no hesitation in rating the noise generated at his new home on his Blues bow, as the best he’d ever experienced in football.

Matthews acknowledged the surreal feeling of stepping foot on to the turf at PO4 and making his English football dreams reality against Millwall.

The 20-year-old’s bow following his £1.27m arrival from Sydney FC was a huge moment in the emerging central defender’s career. To do it under the lights at Fratton Park made it a night that Matthews will forever cherish, after all the talk which had accompanied Pompey’s ongoing interest.

The Australia international has picked up plenty of senior football on the other side of the world, with his former side playing at the 42,500 capacity Sydney Football Stadium.

But Matthews acknowledged everyone he’d known previously paled to having the Fratton faithful roaring him on.

He said: ‘The atmosphere in here was unbelievable and the place was electric.

‘It was absolutely buzzing in here from start to finish, it’s the best atmosphere that I’ve ever played in.

‘It does (whet the appetite), it really does.

‘I was gutted to have to come off, to be honest, but my calves were going. It was an unbelievable reception, though, and it felt amazing to be here.

‘It’s all very surreal being here at Fratton Park.

‘I came down to the ground on Friday to have a look around, but it was just so much better when it was full.’

Research

Matthews explained he did plenty of homework before agreeing to make Pompey his next, agreeing a four-and-a-half deal and becoming the biggest fee his side spent since landing Erik Huseklepp for £1.5m in 2011.

He has now doubt that he’s found himself the right home to make the next step in his hugely promising career.

Matthews added: ‘Portsmouth have shown their interest for a while and I was sold as soon as I knew they wanted me.

‘I did my research into the club, what the club is about and what it has to offer.

‘I’ve got coaches who have played in my position and know what to do, which was also an appeal.

‘Then there’s the fans and everyone knows what they are about. There’s pressure but I want to come in now and make a difference for this club.’