'Unselfish' Portsmouth lucky omen back in frame to battle former club Oxford United

Of the Australian winger’s 10 Blues starts in all competitions this season, seven have reaped victories.

Although in his injury absence on Saturday, Kenny Jackett’s men still claimed a 4-1 success.

However, their options have been boosted considerably by Williams’ return to fitness following a hip issue collected at Plymouth last week.

And that could see him pitched in against ex-employers Oxford in tonight’s Fratton Park clash (7pm).

Joe Gallen told The News: ‘Ryan is back and an important player for us, he has played very well recently.

‘He was close to Saturda, but came through training this morning and will be involved somewhere along the line.

‘Ryan’s a very, very good team player. He’s great for team spirit, has loads of energy, his running with the ball is excellent and he has the ability to create chances for other players.

‘He does a lot of unselfish work, a lot of closing down, and is a very good person to have around.

‘In the wide area there has to be an unselfishness to your game. You are really there to create chances and weigh in with some goals as well.

‘The wide area is a bit more of a creative area rather than a goal-scoring area. It is usual to find someone like Ryan who is unselfish, that is what that position dictates.

‘The win record for the team when he plays is high and that doesn’t necessarily surprise me because he puts in so much effort and work for the side.

‘It’s good that we’ve got him back and it’s good he has returned to the squad.’

Williams spent a season on loan at Oxford seven years ago, while on Fulham’s books.

He made 42 appearances and scored seven times during a successful spell with the then-League Two club.

And his availability tonight could prompt a Pompey reshuffle, potentially allowing Marcus Harness to partner John Marquis in attack.

Blues assistant manager Gallen added: ‘In the shooting prior to the Plymouth game, during one of the shots he had an issue with his hip.

‘The physio thought it was okay to play, but by the end of the game it was a bit too sore for Ryan.

‘He was close on Saturday against Crewe, but it was deemed there was no need to take a risk – and luckily enough it worked out.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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