New striker Oliver Hawkins is brimming with confidence he has what it takes to be a success at League One level.

The Pompey new boy had a few tastes of League Two action with Dagenham and Redbridge before they were relegated from the Football League. And he feels he has deserved the chance Kenny Jackett has now put his way.

Hawkins, who made his debut in the home loss to Rotherham, told The News: 'I had four starts in League Two and the rest from the bench before Dagenham & Redbridge went down. In terms of actual league football, I wouldn’t class myself as experienced, but I know I can do it. It’s just I’ve never been given the opportunity.

‘I was able to have a full season at Dagenham in the National League and showed what I can do at that level — I know I can do it in other leagues. For a year-and-a-half at Dagenham I was working hard, knowing I wanted to be a Football League player.'

He has been a team-mate of Nicke Kabamba - the Pompey forward who has just gone on loan to Colchester - and always felt both could get this far. He added: ‘When I was at Northwood and Nicke was at Uxbridge we were rivals, we played against each other.

‘To be fair, the minute he came to Hemel, I always said to him: “Do you know what, me and you will end up playing in the league together somehow”. And three years later we are both at Portsmouth! It’s a very small world, I also played with Jamal (Lowe) at Hemel — both I would class as friends of mine.

‘With them — and myself — going through the non-league, I believe it helps you be more hungry and get the drive to progress. We will make sure this club does well and we will try our hardest.’

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