Portsmouth News

HERE TO SCORE

I’m a goalscorer – that’s what I like to do, says Blues new boy

- By JORDAN CROSS The News jordan.cross@thenews.co.uk

TYLER WALKER vowed he’s ready to deliver the goals to fire Pompey into the playoffs.

And the Blues’ new number nine is adamant the expectancy to provide cutting edge for his new side, will not weigh too heavily on his shoulders this term.

Walker went straight into Danny Cowley’s starting XI in the 0-0 draw at AFC Wimbledon last night, hours after signing on loan from Coventry for the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old has scored goals regularly in League One before for Lincoln, and has bagged 26 finishes in a season at League Two level for Mansfield.

The pressures of being a Pompey striker have proved too much for many of Walker’s predecesso­rs, but the former Nottingham Forest trainee knows what to expect at his new club.

And after linking up with his former boss Cowley, the man charged with finding the back of the net regularly is ready to deliver.

Walker said: ‘I know what I’m here for.

‘I’ve played under Danny before (at Lincoln) and really enjoyed it.

‘Now I’m looking forward to the second half of the season.

‘We’ve had a few conversati­ons in the past and after signing. He knows what he wants and I’m here and know what I need to do. I’m looking forward to doing it.

‘Primarily as a striker it’s about goals and also creating some goals as well.

‘I’m a goalscorer – that’s what I like to do.

‘I’m quite direct, I like to get in behind defences and score goals.

‘There’s pressure, but there’s pressure everywhere in football.

‘Pressure comes with being at such a big club with such a big fanbase. I understand that – and I’m looking forward to it.

‘I hopefully can look to the experience­s I’ve had and use them while I’m here.’

After last night’s draw at Plough Lane, Pompey find themselves ninth in League One – five points off the top six.

It’s certainly all to play for with 21 games remaining, with a swathe of sides in contention to extend their season.

Walker is clear about what the ambitions are for his new side over the remainder of the campaign.

He added: ‘I’m here to play football – and contribute to a promotion push.

‘For me, that’s definitely where the ambition lies – get in the play-offs and anything can happen from there.’

Pompey are next in action away to high-flying Sunderland on Saturday.

 ?? Picture: Nigel Keene ?? NEW MAN IN TOWN New Pompey forward Tyler Walker applauds the fans after last night’s goalless draw away to AFC Wimbledon
Picture: Nigel Keene NEW MAN IN TOWN New Pompey forward Tyler Walker applauds the fans after last night’s goalless draw away to AFC Wimbledon
 ?? ?? TOGETHER AGAIN Danny Cowley previously managed Tyler Walker at Lincoln
TOGETHER AGAIN Danny Cowley previously managed Tyler Walker at Lincoln

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