Pompey have signed Hayden Carter on loan from Championship side Blackburn for the remainder of the 2021/22 season.
The 22-year-old centre-back will wear the number 17 shirt during his time at Fratton Park.
He has previous experience of third tier football, having spent the second half of last term with Burton.
And Carter has already made 10 appearances during the current campaign for a Rovers side chasing promotion to the Premier League.
Blues boss Danny Cowley said: “We’re delighted to bring Hayden here. He’s a young player who we know well and played a pivotal role at Burton last season.
"Hayden has backed that up with a number of appearances for Blackburn in the Championship and is someone who loves to defend on the front foot."
“He arrived in the midst of a relegation battle and they then achieved play-off form to finish in mid-table.
“Hayden has backed that up with a number of appearances for Blackburn in the Championship and is someone who loves to defend on the front foot.
“He’s aggressive and has a physicality about him, while he also has athleticism and pace. For such a big boy, he’s very mobile.
“There’s also a real threat from set-pieces and that’s an area we’ve been trying to add to in terms of scoring goals.
“So we’re really pleased to have him with us for the second half of the season and are excited to see how he can contribute.”
Carter spent time with Manchester City as a youngster before joining Blackburn in 2014 and making his senior debut in a 4-3 victory over Reading at Ewood Park near the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
Delighted to sign for such a big club in @Pompey on loan. Looking forward to getting startled 🔵 pic.twitter.com/sELaF3qyw9
— Hayden Carter (@HaydenCarter06) January 15, 2022