Portsmouth midfielder's frank admission on proving his previous doubters wrong

The midfielder has been a key cog in the Blues' latest League One promotion push this season.

He scored his first goal of the season in Tuesday night’s 3-1 win at Charlton, has made 28 appearances and formed a pivotal partnership alongside Tom Naylor in the engine room.

However, things haven't always been plain sailing for Cannon since arriving at Fratton Park from Rochdale in January 2019.

Shortly after his switch, he sustained a quad injury that sidelined him for three months.

That led to some supporters quickly writing him off, despite the 24-year-old not having ample opportunity to display his ability.

But Cannon always retained belief his quality would shine through – and is now targeting further improvement.

He told The News: ‘I think it is having a run of games. It gets you fully match fit and gets your confidence going.

‘When you're playing week in, week out then your ability comes with it and you can show what you can do.

‘There are some great players and they just need the chance to get a run of games – not just in this team but any team – to show what they can do.

‘I've had a good run of games and my performances are going well, but I want to keep improving to help the team more. I'm not happy just how I am now.

‘I believe in my ability. I always have – even when people questioned it at first when I was injured.

‘I'd also moved away from home for the first time and that's a massive thing. It's going to take a while to get your foot down, get comfortable and get going.

‘But I love it here, being down south, and I'm really enjoying my football.

‘I believe in my ability and have never questioned it. All the lads in training say it so I'll keep pushing to improve every day.

‘Every player wants to play football and luckily I've had a good run of games to show what I can do.’

Cannon is out of contract at the end of the season but is keen to sign a new deal.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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