Thankful Mattock knows Appy has what it takes

Joe Mattock thanked Michael Appleton for reviving his career and insisted: He'll be a hit as manager.

Mattock has no doubt Appleton will go on to prove his class as Pompey boss.

Appleton quickly made a move to bring the 21-year-old in from West Brom on loan alongside George Thorne, with the left-back in the wilderness at the Hawthorns.

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Mattock pinpointed Appleton’s coaching skills as a standout quality in his arsenal.

He feels the former midfielder will be able to aid the development of the Pompey squad in the way he has helped his own career.

Mattock said: ‘Obviously, I’ve worked with Appy before at West Brom. He’s a good coach – a really good coach.

‘He is the type of man who will help us in our development.

‘I was younger when I first went to West Brom.

‘He played a big part in helping me kick on with my career there.

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‘I was delighted to be able to come and play with him at Pompey.

‘There was never any doubt he’d be a manager and he will be a good one.

‘You could always tell that was where he was heading, so I was glad when he kicked on.

‘I’ve got no doubt that he is going to go on and do well at Portsmouth.’

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Mattock feels he owes Appleton a lot for the faith he has shown in him.

The former Leicester City player was nowhere near the first-team picture at West Brom.

His only game time has come in the Carling Cup this term, with last season being spent out on loan at Sheffield United.

That’s after featuring regularly for the Baggies in the 2009-10 campaign, as they won promotion to the Premier League.

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Now he is looking forward to repaying his manager’s faith and showing the fans what he is all about. Mattock said: ‘I haven’t played much over the past 12 months, so I’m enjoying being able to play regularly.

‘I have a lot to thank Appy for in terms of that.’

Mattock followed up his debut draw for Pompey against Leicester with his first win for the club against struggling Coventry last weekend.

The trip to Burnley is up next before the south coast derby with Southampton.

Mattock believes the team are capable of hitting a run of form in the next set of fixtures.

He said: ‘Saturday was my first win as a Portsmouth player, which was a good moment.

‘Now we need decent results in the up and coming games.’