Swansea loanee's message to Portsmouth fans on his role in promotion bid

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George Byers is ready to take on the pressure of being the driving force in Pompey’s promotion bid.

The new Blues midfielder insisted he’s ready to embrace the expectation of being the central figure in the race for the Championship.

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Byers impressed tonight in a second-half showing as Kenny Jackett’s men returned to winning ways against Swindon Town.

The 24-year-old got 31 minutes under his belt and showed flashes of the quality expected of him, after arriving from high-flying Championship side Swansea.

Portsmouth's George ByersPortsmouth's George Byers
Portsmouth's George Byers

There are high hopes for the Byers with memories of what Ben Thompson did for Pompey in a similar loan spell, as he dropped down from the second tier two years ago.

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But the former Watford man is more than happy to face those demands head on and has no doubts about what he achieve at Fratton Park this term.

He said: ‘I come with an expectation, I’m a confident boy and I believe in my ability. If that pressure comes I’m ready to take it.

‘I put a lot of pressure on myself to play well and put in good performances.

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‘If I don’t do that I’m my own biggest critic so I’ll be putting pressure on myself to do that week-in, week-out.

‘Of course (he’s coming to play) but I knew the team was doing well when I came here and it would be tough.

‘I knew I wouldn’t be able to cement my place in the team straightaway, but when opportunities come - and they will come - I will show what I can do.

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‘I’ve got a bit more time on the pitch and at stages I felt that I showed what I can do.

‘The games are coming thick and fast, though, so I’m aiming to put my stamp on the team and show what I can do.

‘I’m feeling fit, fresh and ready to go - ready to play 90 minutes when required.’

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Byers faced the testing challenge of impacting a game played in the coldest conditions in recent memory at Fratton Park, as a substitute.

The man who has spent a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury this term explained it wasn’t an easy game to get up to speed with.

He added: ‘It was freezing!

‘The cold was a factor for me coming and it did take five minutes for me to get warm and get up to speed.

‘It was a cold one but when you’re a sub you have to stay warm, stay ready and be there for your opportunity.

‘Thankfully I got 30 minutes and it was a bit of time to show what I can do.’