DREAM MAKER
Harry savours ‘proudest moment of my life’ after Blues debut
HARRY Kavanagh reflected on a proud Pompey debut and admitted: My dreams have come true.
The Cowplain defender was one of six academy players to make their Blues bows as they went down to a 1-0 defeat at home to West Ham United under-21s last night.
The 18-year-old had no doubt the occasion was the highlight of his life, as he stepped out in the first team of the club he’s been at since he was six.
Kavanagh produced a solid showing before being withdrawn after 67 minutes, as Pompey’s 16-game unbeaten run in the EFL Trophy came to a close after 1,036 days.
The emerging talents could all be pleased with how they handled the occasion though.
Kavanagh said: ‘It’s the proudest moment of my life.
‘I’ve been at the club since I was six and I’ve been been working hard – so I’m glad my dreams today came true.
‘It’s been my dream since as long as I can remember. My mum, dad and brothers are all Pompey through and through.
‘So for me to step out there today was amazing.
‘It was a shame no one could come and watch, but nevertheless it’s been amazing and I’ve loved it.
‘I’m gutted the family couldn’t be here but there’s a few of them watching on the iFollow, and I’m buzzing I can make them proud.’
Kavanagh revealed he didn’t know he was going to be playing in Pompey’s final group game of the competition until the day before the match.
The former Cowplain School student was utilised out of position on the right side of midfield for Kenny Jackett’s side.
That didn’t bother Kavanagh for a second, though, as he joined Alfie Stanley, Charlie Bell, Harry Jewitt-White, Seok Jae Lee and Harrison Brook, who all also made their debuts.
He added: ‘I found out I was playing on Monday when Mark Kelly told us.
‘I didn’t know if it would be right-back or somewhere else.
‘By trade I’m a right-back but you could play me in goal I wouldn’t care – I’ve been waiting a long time for this!
‘We’ve played a lot of under23s games over the years, so we knew what to expect.
‘It’s hard playing against those kind of teams, but I thought we played well, had some chances ourselves and matched them at certain times but couldn’t get there in the end.
‘All the young lads did well and I feel we can be quite happy.
‘Me and Alf (Stanley) have been at the club since we were six. It was a shame our families couldn’t be here, but we’re just buzzing at the experience.’