Goal hero revels in Pompey heroics
Michael Drennan had struggled to establish himself since a February loan move from Aston Villa.
But that certainly changed when he took to the field against Dagenham & Redbridge.
The Republic of Ireland under-21 international capped a fine display with two goals as Pompey romped to a 4-1 victory.
His first was a close-range header to divert Jed Wallace’s delicate chip on target.
But the second was a stunner, as Drennan collected Rhys McCabe’s pass and unleashed a ferocious drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards.
And the striker – who went off with cramp late on – was left revelling in the Blues’ third successive victory.
Drennan said: “I’m so happy with the two goals, but winning was the main thing and it was a great performance all round.
“I thought I might miss the first one because I didn’t realise how quickly the ball was coming across.
“I’ve been trying my long shots in training and they’ve been going in. I thought I might as well try it during a match and fortunately it went in.
“In the first half that’s arguably the best we’ve played this season – certainly since I’ve been here.
“It was top drawer and we probably should have scored four or five because we were in so much control.”
It was Drennan’s first start since Andy Awford took caretaker charge last month and the 20-year-old certainly took his opportunity.
He said: “When a new manager comes in you have to impress him and I’ve just been working hard in training and trying to impress.
“I got my chance and hopefully I can now stay in the team and help Pompey to win more matches.”