The asset Australia international Ryan Williams used to frown upon but is now key to Portsmouth's success

And the winger promised he intends to keep up his impressive stats which underline the graft he puts in on the pitch for Pompey.

Williams admitted his reputation for covering the miles was something he used to bristle at as he emerged as a youngster, with it viewed as a back-handed compliment.

But now the 26-year-old sees the work-rate he’s delivering as a basic requirement needed before letting his ability on the ball shine.

And the Australian international feels that approach is something which allows Kenny Jackett to have trust in him as a player.

Williams said: ‘It’s something that I used to frown upon.

‘People used to say how much I run and I used to think, well I’m actually alright at football as well!

‘But if that’s what I need to do to stay in the team then so be it.

‘I’m quick and I can run a lot, so why shouldn’t I work hard at it?

‘But I’m glad the manager tells the press that, because he never tells me!

‘If I’m the manager I think I would pick the player who I know what they’re going to give.

‘If I’m not having a good game on the ball, you know I’m always going to put my body about and that will be the same.

‘I’m going to run around and make things hard for the other team. If I was a manager I think I’d want that.’

Williams told how a high-tempo game is nothing new to him and was an approach which pushed to his limit last season at Rotherham.

Millers boss Paul Warne felt the Millers’ work-rate was critical as they went up against more fancied opposition in the Championship.

And he feels replicating that attitude can reap dividends for Pompey this term.

Williams added: ‘My last manager was the same.

‘Last season I was chasing teams around the pitch for 90 minutes!

‘It was enjoyable but he demanded high standards in terms of work rate.

‘In this league, if you can get that right it makes a big difference.’