Ex-Middlesbrough man Callum Johnson admits settling troubles - but now he's revelling Portsmouth in life

Yet the right-back is convinced he has now overcome the challenges of settling into new surroundings – and is revelling in life on the south coast.

Johnson’s September arrival saw him quit Accrington for a 300-mile relocation to Fratton Park.

Hailing from Stockton-on-Tees and graduating through Middlesbrough’s youth ranks to make three EFL Trophy appearances, the 24-year-old’s career has focused up north.

Johnson admits it took time to readjust being in the south, nonetheless has featured in every Blues League One match since his signing.

And he believes he’s now proving his worth to the Fratton faithful.

Johnson told The News: ‘I had a conversation with Joe (Gallen) after the Plymouth game and there have been a few conversations over the last couple of weeks with the manager on what he wants from me.

‘I really feel like I’m starting to show what I can do and hopefully will keep on improving.

‘I’m settled now and comfortable. I can express myself and show everyone what I can do.

‘When I first signed I was obviously buzzing, but it does take time, especially coming from six hours away and having to get somewhere to live.

‘As much as you want to – and you’re desperate to show what you can do, working hard every day – it is tough.

‘But that’s our job and you have to somehow find a way to settle as quickly as you can because you’ve been signed for a reason.

‘You need to show what you can do as soon as you possibly can. That’s part and parcel of being a footballer.

‘After the first couple of months, I started to find my feet and had a couple of decent performances, then it's just learning a different philosophy, a different style of play, with different players.

‘I’m now settled – and feel I can really push on. I’m loving it.’

Johnson has totalled 32 appearances for Pompey so far, with his sole goal arriving at Bristol City in the FA Cup.

Away from the pitch, he has settled in Fareham with his girlfriend. His home from home.

He added: ‘I’m settled in my house, which helps.

‘My girlfriend has been down with me since the restrictions. She is on furlough, but will be moving back up north for her job.

‘I’m feeling normal again. You go home every day and know your surroundings and I’m loving it.

‘I haven’t been able to go out and see things properly in the area, but I’m coming into work every day, it’s a nice training ground, with good players and knowledgeable staff.

‘Hopefully it has fallen into place now and I can do what I can to help the team.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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