How ex-Coventry forward Jordy Hiwula's attitude has won admiration of Portsmouth team-mates

For team-mates also applauded the moment of magic from a player who has impressed with both his attitude and ability since his Fratton Park arrival.

The 26-year-old was recruited in October to bolster a squad short of strikers, occupying the 22nd and final available slot.

Appearances have been sparse, restricted to 10 minutes of League One action – and one Papa John’s Trophy start.

However, Hiwula appeared from the bench in the FA Cup against King’s Lynn to mark his maiden Pompey goal in style.

And Tom Naylor has revealed how the former Coventry man has earned the respect of his new playing colleagues.

Pompey’s skipper told The News: ‘I was right behind Jordy’s shot. I knew where he wanted to play it, I knew he wanted to get it into the top corner, and it was a great finish.

‘Fair play to him, he has worked so hard in training over the last couple of months, he never lets his head drop and all the boys were celebrating on the bench when he scored.

‘He’s a great lad and hopefully there’s many more to come from him, either as a starter or coming on.

‘In training, Jordy pops up with a goal like that, he is so quick with his feet, always wants the ball and is a pleasure to talk to. He’s a great lad.

‘There are good players in the team doing the job at the moment and it’s hard getting in front of them, but there are a few in the changing rooms who never let their heads go down.

‘There’s also James Bolton and Paul Downing, they train 100 per cent every single day and that’s credit to them.

‘The lads like and respect that and appreciate what they do.

‘They never mess about in training, it’s always hard work, it’s like a match day for them - and fair play to them.’

Saturday represented Hiwula’s first Pompey goal since September 2019.

And Naylor believes the forward offers the Blues something different when called upon.

He added: ‘Jordy’s a bit like Marcus (Harness), when it gets to his feet he wants to go inside and out, and it’s always nice to have a player like that, especially when match-fit.

‘He is getting there now and it’s great having somebody like that around.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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