Striker says fellow forwards can improve his game
Ryan Bird is determined to learn from the experienced players in Pompey’s squad.
The striker was a summer arrival from non-league Burnham, where he notched an incredible 45 goals last term.
He made his first Blues start in Tuesday night’s penalty shoot-out victory at Torquay in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
And Bird knows he has to keep improving if he wants to become a regular in the side.
He said: “I thought I played okay. I could have won more headers, but their centre-half was named man-of-the-match. I worked hard, but didn’t really get too many chances.
“I just have to keep working hard in training every day and be ready to take my chances when they come along.
“The step up is difficult and I’m having to get used to a few new things. These defenders are stronger than I’m used to and know how to position themselves.
“But it’s great to have guys like Patrick Agyemang and David Connolly to train alongside.
“They’re both players I can learn a lot from. Dave actually took training on Monday and it was a great session.”
Yassin Moutaouakil hit the winning penalty at Plainmoor, with a cheeky dink down the middle sending Pompey into the second round.
“I thought we played well and deserved to get through to the next stage,” said Bird. “Yassin tries that in training and it doesn’t always come off, but this time it paid off. All the penalties were good to be fair.
“We played with me up front and Ricky Holmes just behind. I think the system worked quite well and maybe it’s something the gaffer will use again in the future.
“We’re confident now that we can go into the game at Cheltenham on Saturday and pick up three points.”