Mourinho’s protégé says he can shine for the Blues
Tottenham loanee eager ‘to find out what real world is like’
HARVEY WHITE surveyed his battle for a Pompey starting spot and insisted: I’ve confidence in myself.
The midfielder has become the Blues’ first signing of the January transfer window, arriving on loan from Tottenham Hotspur for the rest of the season.
White’s highly rated at Spurs and penned a new four-year deal last month.
He joins Pompey hoping to kick-start his senior career, having made only two firstteam appearances for Jose Mourinho’s side – one in the Europa League and the other in the FA Cup.
However, White faces a challenge to win a starting spot at Fratton Park.
Andy Cannon and Tom Naylor have been fundamental in the engine room during the Blues’ current League One promotion push.
White accepts he might have to bide his time to become a regular in Kenny Jackett’s starting line-up.
But when the 19-yearold gets his chance, he reckons his ability can shine through.
White told The News : ‘I found out on Wednesday that Pompey were really interested. As soon as I did, I wanted to come here.
‘I wanted to get out and find out what the real world is like in football.
‘I’m 19, so if I can make as many appearances as possible and move on to better things, then brilliant.
‘Obviously, they are still good footballers in League One and it’s definitely better than under-23s football.
‘It will push me in the right direction.
‘I haven’t played much in a two-man midfield but I’m sure that I will learn quickly.
‘It doesn’t bother me and hopefully I’ll do a job in that position.
‘I’m sure I will learn that through the players who start and then go from there.
‘I’ve got to keep working hard in training then keep the shirt when I get my chance.
‘I’m confident in myself but every player at Pompey is really good so I’ve got to keep working hard and help get the club promoted.
‘Getting into a winning side will be a big challenge.’
Pompey made recruiting a central midfielder to provide cover for Cannon and Naylor their top priority at the start of the window.
White believes he will add something different in the middle of the park.
He added: ‘I like to think I’m an effective midfielder.
‘I like to be in control, play one and two-touch football and keep the ball moving.
‘I always look to move the ball forward first.
‘I also love my set-pieces, taking corners and freekicks.’