Rose seeking to maintain Pompey goal trail

Pompey midfielder Danny Rose, centre Picture: Colin Farmery

Dalymount Park was the setting for the summer recruit to register his maiden Blues goal during pre-season.

Embarking on the overlap down the right to collect Milan Lalkovic’s pass, he then clipped an angled shot over the keeper and into the net.

That strike put Paul Cook’s side on their way to a 2-0 victory over Bohemians on Saturday, bringing the curtain down on their time in Ireland.

Pompey have another six matches during their pre-season schedule – the next taking place at the Hawks tomorrow evening (7pm).

Rose scored 13 goals from midfield in the 2011-12 campaign for then non-league Newport County by December.

Last season he mustered one in 34 appearances during stays at Oxford United and Northampton.

And the 28-year-old is seeking to eke out more goals during his Fratton Park career.

He said: ‘I definitely meant it on Saturday, the ball broke to Milan on the edge of the box and when a defender squared him up it was the right time to run forward.

‘I did an overlap and the pass was perfect to finish it off.

‘I scored once last year, although did get into double figures when I was at Newport, but is dependent on the role.

‘Against Bohemians it was nice to get a couple of strikes on goal but, obviously, would have liked to have had more.

‘It’s to be among the goals and hopefully that can continue in the season.’

Pompey’s time in Ireland is now over – a week which saw hard training and two friendly fixtures.

Their stay kicked off with a 3-3 draw at Sligo, with the Blues having thrown away a three-goal lead.

They were far more comfortable against Bohemians and Rose believes the squad is making important progress during their pre-season.

He added: We came under a little bit of pressure when Bohemians had a bit of possession towards the end of the game, but we kept them out.

‘Over the course of the game our keepers didn’t have too much work to do other than a couple of crosses to claim.

‘But we put in a good shift and four lads played their first 90 minutes and had some tough training over the last couple of days. It’s a step to where we want to be.’