Frenchman happy with regular midfield action
Nigel Atangana has been in and out of the side during his first campaign as a professional footballer.
The majority of the midfielder’s appearances have come from the bench since his summer arrival from Havant & Waterlooville.
But he has started Pompey’s last three games against promotion-chasing Luton, Newport and Burton.
And, ahead of this weekend’s clash with sixth-placed Southend, Atangana revealed that he has relished making the step up.
He said: “I’m enjoying being in the team and getting the opportunity to start a few games.
“I’ve been used on the left and in the centre of midfield recently, but I like both positions.
“The games are quicker at this level and more physical as well, but it’s still the same sport.
“There are some quality players at this club and it helps when you have them alongside you.
“We just have to take each game as it comes and work hard in training – hopefully we can take three points on Saturday.”
Atangana played alongside a fit-again James Dunne in the centre of midfield against Burton last week.
He said: “At Havant & Waterlooville I quite often played the number 10 role and have been sitting deeper since I came to Pompey.
“But Dunne plays more of a defensive role which gives me the freedom to get forward and help with the attacks, which is something I enjoy.”
Nigel Atangana is 12/1 with Sky Bet to open the scoring against Southend. Bet at www.skybet.com/pompey for the chance to win Pompey £250,000 from the Sky Bet Transfer Fund.