Ex-Middlesbrough man Callum Johnson gunning to continue career resurgence with Portsmouth

Preston had previously pursued the highly-regarded target who impressed at right-back for Accrington.

A potential switch to the Championship club fell through around a year ago – yet the disappointed 23-year-old refused to be distracted.

Johnson had left Middlesbrough for then-League Two club Accrington in August 2017 on an initial loan.

Now he’s arrived at Fratton Park for an undisclosed fee and determined to keep his upward trajectory.

He told The News: ‘This move happened fairly quickly, I found out a few days ago and obviously was delighted. As soon as I heard the news I just wanted to get it done.

‘There was a bit of interest from other clubs, but as soon as I heard about Portsmouth, there was no competition really.

‘It’s the size of the club. The ambition of the club is the same as mine, it was an easy decision for me.

‘There was a bit of interest from Preston a while ago, but it just didn’t materialise, I’m not sure what happened to be honest. I just got my head back down and worked hard.

‘It’s just a mental battle really. The first time it happened when the Preston thing fell through it was tough.

‘There have been a couple of other clubs since, but I have learnt to put it out of your head.

‘A massive part of being a footballer is the mental side. I don’t think people realise how tough it is mentally and I have become tougher over the years, something I feel is one of my strengths.

‘I would have been happy to stay at Accrington, I wanted to get my head down in pre-season and play as well as I could.

‘But Pompey is a great move for me and I can’t wait to get started.’

Johnson has been a right-back regular for Accrington since his Crown Ground arrival.

Last season he made 38 appearances for Stanley, including Pompey’s 4-1 defeat in December.

And the former Middlesbrough apprentice is grateful for his time under John Coleman.

He added: ‘I dropped down two leagues to Accrington in League Two, then we got promoted in the first season I was there.

‘I was at Middlesbrough since the age of eight and needed to drop down and play games – and that was what I was willing to do.

‘I had to do that otherwise you stagnate in your career and don't really progress. For me, that was the right option and helped me.

‘It was important for my career, especially the first season I was there, winning League Two and going on to play 119 games in total.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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