Cowplain's Harry Kavanagh pride on the night his Portsmouth dreams came true against West Ham

Harry Kavanagh reflected on a proud Pompey debut and admitted: My dreams have come true.
Harry Kavanagh in action tonight (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Harry Kavanagh in action tonight (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Harry Kavanagh in action tonight (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

The Cowplain defender was one of six academy players to make their Blues bows as they went down to a 1-0 defeat to West Ham under-21s.

The 18-year-old had no doubt the occasion was the highlight of his life, as he stepped out in the first team of the club he’s been at since he was six.

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Kavanagh produced a solid showing before being withdrawn after 67 minutes, as Pompey’s 16-game unbeaten run in the EFL Trophy came to a close after 1,036 days.

The emerging talents could all be pleased with how they handled the occasion though.

And academy prospect Kavanagh explained it was a night he will never forget, as he made himself and his family proud.

Kavanagh said: ‘It’s the proudest moment of my life.

‘I’ve been at the club since I was six and I’ve been been working hard - so I’m glad my dreams today came true.

Harry Kavanagh in action tonight. Pictures: Robin JonesHarry Kavanagh in action tonight. Pictures: Robin Jones
Harry Kavanagh in action tonight. Pictures: Robin Jones
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‘It’s been my dream since as long as I can remember. My mum, dad and brothers are all Pompey through and through.

‘So for me to step out there today was amazing.

‘It was a shame no one could come and watch, but nevertheless it’s been amazing and I’ve loved it.

‘I’m gutted the family couldn’t be here but there’s a few of them watching on the iFollow, and I’m buzzing I can make them proud.’

Kavanagh revealed he didn’t know he was going to be playing in Pompey’s final group game of the competition until the day before the match.

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The former Cowplain School student was utilised out of position on the right side of midfield for Kenny Jackett’s side.

That didn’t bother Kavanagh for a second, though, as he joined Alfie Stanley, Charlie Bell, Harry Jewitt-White, Seok Jae Lee and Harrison Brook, who all also made their debuts.

He added: ‘I found out I was playing yesterday when Mark Kelly told us.

‘I didn’t know if I it would be right-back or somewhere else.

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‘By trade I’m a right-back but you could play me in goal I wouldn’t care - I’ve been waiting a long time for this!

‘We’ve played a lot of under-23s games over the years, so we knew what to expect.

‘It’s hard playing against those kind of teams, but I thought we played well, had some chances ourselves and matched them at certain times but couldn’t get there in the end.

‘All the young lads did well and I feel we can be quite happy.

‘Me and Alf (Stanley) have been at the club since we were six.

‘It was a shame our families couldn’t be here, but we’re just buzzing at the experience.’

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