Portsmouth striker Jordy Hiwula's promise to supporters as clamour for inclusion continues

And the Blues striker believes he can now do himself justice and show fans’ exactly what he’s capable of adding to his new side’s promotion bid.

Hiwula made his full debut as one of the few experienced names involved in the 1-0 Papa John’s Trophy defeat to West Ham under-21s on Tuesday night.

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The 26-year-old got a full 90 minutes under his belt at Fratton Park, with his only previous senior action a six-minute cameo in the defeat to Charlton earlier this month.

There’s been a clamour for Hiwula to be given a chance to make a mark, despite not playing any first-team football for nearly a year after falling out of favour at Coventry.

Fans can remember how the former Manchester City trainee gave their team problems, with two goals at Fratton Park in past two seasons.

That support has provided a fillip to the front man, but, with Pompey in decent form he knows he has to stay patient.

But Hiwula feels he ready to seize the chance to make a league impact when it arrives.

He said: ‘I’ve been hearing a few bits and bobs about the support I’ve been getting. It’s exciting to hear that.

‘Ever since I’ve got the call to come here I’ve been excited.

‘Even going into training every day, it’s a different type of atmosphere to what I’ve had, so I’m just excited to be here.

‘I can’t wait to just get another opportunity on the pitch.

‘The manager has told me to keep plugging away and he knows how I can play.

‘He’s told me to keep trying and stay patient, then when the chance comes take it.

‘There’s a smaller squad and that helps a lot, especially me as a forward.

‘There’s five or six strikers. The other boys are doing well, so I just need to stay on their heels, keep working hard and try to keep up with the other boys.’

Hiwula’s current Pompey agreement ties him to the club until the end of the year, though he’s hopeful an extension to his current terms can be reached.

The former Manchester-born front man thanked supporters for helping him settle into his new surroundings, with the backing he’s received helping him to feel at home.

Hiwula added: ‘I’m here to the new year at the minute and then we’ll just take it from there.

‘I’d loved it down here so far, settled in and would love to stay longer.

‘The people of Portsmouth have been really welcoming and helped me a lot.

‘I’ve enjoyed my time here so far and hopefully it can get extended to the end of the season.’

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