How Portsmouth plan to get the best out of Jordy Hiwula talents ahead of West Ham full debut

That’s the verdict of Joe Gallen ahead of the former Coventry man being handed his full Pompey debut.

Hiwula is in line to start against West Ham under-21s in tonight’s Papa John’s Trophy clash at Fratton Park (7pm).

He has featured for just six minutes since last month’s Fratton Park arrival on a free transfer.

This evening finally represents an opportunity to impress as Kenny Jackett’s rotates the side which won 3-2 at Ipswich in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Although Gallen believes Hiwula needs a certain type of player alongside him to bring out his best.

He said: ‘Jordy looks very good, he has trained extremely well, has a very good attitude, and there’s a lot of talent.

He can play centre-forward or wide. I think as a centre-forward he needs to play with a more physical partner, but we know he can do a job wide on the left as well.

‘There’s a good football brain in there, he’s a very technical player and a clean finisher, but wouldn’t have played a full 90 minutes for a long time, so he’ll need to get his fitness back and stake his claim.

‘Ellis (Harrison) is always a very good foil for a goalscorer, while John (Marquis), who is playing very well, can do a bit of everything.

‘Jordy will be looking for a partner able to win headers consistently and might be able to get hold of the ball in terms of making it stick.

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‘That will enable him to run behind. He’s a complement to what we have got.’

Tonight will represent Hiwula’s first appearance since December 3, 2019.

That also came in this competition, then titled the Leasing.com Trophy, starting in a 2-0 defeat at MK Dons.

Now, more than 11 months later, he will be granted his latest run out.

Gallen added: ‘Jordy is quick, I would also say his brain is quick. It’s one thing having pace, but you need to see the opportunity just a split second before the defender so that can gain you a couple of yards.

‘There is also a calmness about him in front of goal. The most exciting moment is when you think you are going to score – and he’s pretty calm at that.

‘He’ll just need a game to brush up on his fitness.’

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