Walker: Pompey goal was special - but next one will be sweeter

Walker delivered his first goal for the Blues in the 2-1 defeat at Scunthorpe last night.

His peach of a 25-yard free-kick in first-half stoppage-time saw caretaker boss Guy Whittingham’s side go in level at the break.

It was a moment which showcased the quality the 24-year-old possesses as he left the Iron keeper Sam Slocombe flapping at thin air.

But it didn’t ensure a return after Akpo Sodje followed up his first-half header with another powerful effort to nod home Mike Grella’s cross five minutes from time.

Walker was pleased to get off the mark in English football after being restored to the Blues’ starting XI.

He insisted he was understanding about being in and out of the Pompey side in his first year in the game on these shores, after moving from Gibraltar last summer.

Now the midfielder is determined to keep the goals flowing – and next time help ensure they snare a points return for his side.

Walker said: ‘I’ll remember this game for my first Pompey goal and it was nice to get on the scoresheet.

‘Obviously it would have been nicer if it was worth something, though.

‘Hopefully now I can score some more and next time it will bring points for the team.

‘I haven’t been playing but Guy has to make a team and is thinking about who is best for the game.

‘If I don’t play I have to keep working and take my chance when I do get it.

‘I enjoy being out there and I’m happy to work hard – that’s the minimum I can give.

‘I don’t think I’ve done enough, though. I always think I can do more.

‘I’m learning all the time and need to get better. There’s no freedom here. No-one has their place secure.

‘But if you aren’t confident that’s when mistakes come. If you are confident things tend to happen that are better for you.’

Pompey had the riot act read to them by Whittingham and Andy Awford at the break, which Walker felt was totally deserved.

He said: ‘We deserved to get a rollicking at half-time and we got one. The second half was different but we shouldn’t need a rollicking anyway.

‘It’s a case of giving it our all and not rushing the ball like we did in the first half.

‘It’s the same story as every other game. We were handling them quite well and there was a feeling we would get something.

‘We’ve been saying all season we need to stay strong at the back at least. If we keep the goals conceded to zero you are in with a chance of a grabbing a point.’