Popular Portsmouth hero's reputation continues to soar after classy England international moment

Just six weeks ago he was celebrating the League One title on Southsea Common with the Fratton faithful.

Now Abu Kamara is an England under-20s starter who has just claimed his first international assist.

It has been an incredible last 12 months for the talented winger, whose career has soared after being sent on a season-long loan to Fratton Park.

Featuring in every match of the memorable 2023-24 campaign, the Norwich youngster totalled 11 goals in 51 appearances as he blossomed in regular first-team football.

That sensational form subsequently earned him international recognition after being selected on this month’s England under-20 tour to Croatia, featuring two matches.

Kamara lined-up for Ben Futcher’s team in Friday night’s 2-1 victory over Sweden, representing his England debut.

And on Tuesday evening, he marked his second outing by winning a 47th-minute penalty against the Republic of Ireland Under-21s.

Cutting in from the right, he twisted and turned inside the box before brought down for a spot kick which was converted by fellow former Pompey loanee Dane Scarlett.

The Zagreb fixture eventually finished 2-2, with Eire levelling three minutes from time after keeper Jed Ward had initially stopped a penalty.

Kamara, wearing the number 7 shirt, came off in the 65th minute for Leicester’s Will Alves, with all 10 outfield players replaced by that stage of proceedings.

Of course, his continued elevation only lengthens the odds of a potential Fratton Park return - if ever that was a realistic outcome anyway.

The Blues have made no secret of their desire to bring the 20-year-old back to the south coast for their Championship return, yet he is also highly regarded by parent club Norwich, where the winger is contracted for another year.

Having lost in the Championship play-off semi-finals last month, the Canaries are now expected to integrate Kamara into their first-team squad under new boss Johannes Hoff Thorup.

In the meantime, the attacker’s England career is up and running and his reputation continues to rocket.