Why Bristol City left-back Cam Pring was 'shocked' at Portsmouth exit

And the 22-year-old is adamant he intended to remain at Fratton Park for the scheduled season-long stay.

The Blues have been plunged into a left-back hunt during this transfer window following Bristol City’s decision to recall Pring.

He had made 14 Pompey appearances in a spell he insists he thoroughly enjoyed, despite primarily serving as back-up for Lee Brown.

Indeed, he praised the Blues for welcoming him and possessing the best team spirit he’s ever encountered.

Those factors meant he was keen to see out the campaign with the League One promotion chasers.

But it was taken out of his hands.

He told The News: ‘I don’t think Bristol City want to loan me out again this season. If that was the case, I would have just stayed at Pompey.

‘I was happy there, enjoyed my time there – and I think City were happy with me being there. But they recalled me because of the amount of injuries.

‘It’s one of those weird situations. They were happy with the experience I was getting and I was happy with the games I was getting, but I had to return.

‘It was a bit of a shock really. Now I have to focus on pushing for a place with them.

‘I feel I developed game-by-game with Pompey. I was playing better than I did at the start, I got better defensively, which is something I worked on a lot.

‘There was more to come as well, so that was a bit annoying.

‘My appearances were largely staggered, I’d get a game here or there, and then recently was given a run of matches and believed I was coming along strongly.

‘It was a bit frustrating not being in the team at times, but you learn from that and try to kick on.

‘I never even thought of trying to go back to Bristol and moving on loan elsewhere. I was really happy with living and playing for Pompey.’

The Robins initiated Pring’s recall following a shin injury to Jay Dasilva, requiring an operation.

Midfielder Tommy Rowe has been deputising, facing Pompey in Sunday’s FA Cup defeat, while Pring was cup-tied.

He added: ‘Obviously Dasilva is out for a while now, so it gives me a good opportunity to try to get in there and earn some game time.

‘Tommy Rowe has been playing there and I now have to push him for a spot.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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