Tottenham loanee Harvey White reveals John Marquis' Portsmouth advice as he achieves lifelong dream

Harvey White celebrates his goal in Pompey's win at Oxford. Picture: Jason Brown

The midfielder's second-half header earned Pompey a much-needed 1-0 victory over Oxford United this evening.

White was handed his first start for the Blues since arriving on loan from Tottenham in January.

And he vindicated Kenny Jackett's selection decision by inspiring the visitors to all three points.

In the 48th minute, White met Callum Johnson's cross to glance a header beyond home keeper Jack Stevens.

And the 19-year-old couldn't hide his delight.

White said: ‘It is a dream come true. I have grown up watching the Football League, every Saturday at 3pm and going to stadiums.

‘The most important thing was getting three points after losing two on the bounce.

‘We had to get the three points and it was a very good performance.

‘To be fair, I didn't see the ball hit the back of the net! I've just seen the ball bounce and then everyone celebrate.

‘I've got across the defender and then ran away from the goal so I didn't have a chance to have a look. But it feels amazing, unreal.’

White was handed an unexpected start at the Kassam Stadium.

And what was more surprising was the fact that he featured in a left-midfield role rather than in central midfield as many would have thought.

The Maidstone-born lad had a decent chance in the opening 45 minutes when he got on the end of Ronan Curtis’ cross but hooked wide.

However, White revealed how John Marquis – who was dropped to the bench against Oxford – gave him some words of encouragement at half-time.

And the youngster paid tribute to Pompey’s current top scorer as he achieved a lifelong dream.

White added: ‘In the first half, I had a chance when I should have gone with my right foot when I went with my left. It went quite a bit wide but I just needed to keep getting into the box.

‘John Marquis told me to keep getting into the box and time the run. He said even before the game, you can make 10 runs and one will fall to you.

‘Credit to him for believing in me to get into the box because I've been scoring in training quite a bit as well.

‘I'm glad I've taken it into the game for my first start because I'm buzzing with it.’