Kenny Jackett confident Callum Johnson can rise to the challenge at Portsmouth following move from Accrington

The former Accrington right-back has signed a two-year deal at the Blues, with the club having the option for a third.

The fee is undisclosed, but it’s believed Pompey splashed out around £200,000, plus add-ons, for the 23-year-old.

Handed the number two shirt, Johnson will now compete with James Bolton for a regular starting place in the Blues back line.

Having been first-choice at the Wham Stadium, where he made 119 appearances during a three-year spell, that will automatically present the former Middlesbrough youth player with a tough challenge.

But Jackett is confident his latest recruit will be up for the battle and is capable of performing for a club the size of Pompey.

The manager said: ‘He’s someone who we’ve been tracking for a while now and we’re delighted to add him to our defensive options.

‘Callum is only young, but has already gained a lot of experience over the past few years at Accrington.

‘We do feel that it’s the right time for him to come here and take up the challenge of playing for Pompey.’