Midfielder working with Cook to improve his game
Kal Naismith hopes that Paul Cook can help him secure a place in Pompey’s starting 11 this season.
The summer signing has been taking on board his manager’s advice in a bid to impress.
His latest pre-season outfit was in a 2-1 victory over third tier Coventry at Westleigh Park.
Naismith was pleased with the win, although it is a date with Dagenham at Fratton Park next month that he is focusing on.
The winger said: “No disrespect to the sides we faced before, but it was a decent test against a League One outfit.
“The match was played to a high intensity and I think everyone would have taken something from the game.
“You can say it’s just pre-season, but every footballer wants to win and we can take confidence from that.
“I’ve been working as hard as possible and the gaffer has been helping me with parts of my game, such as positioning.
“I’m listening to what he’s saying and did a lot of things that he was talking about against Coventry.
“Everyone’s trying to stake their claim for a spot in the side for that first league game and there’s plenty of competition here, so we need to keep up the good work.”
Cook has favoured one particular formation in pre-season and Naismith is enjoying the role he has been given.
He said: “The formation of 4-2-3-1 is one I’m enjoying and I think I can do a useful job as part of the three behind the striker.
“It’s something that I’m new to and so I’m still learning, but hopefully I can improve and do well for Pompey.”