Skipper Michael Doyle says Carl Baker's arrival at Fratton is a big boost to Pompey's promotion hopes.

The paid briefly played toether at Coventry, where midfield playmaker Baker, 33, prospered before moving on to MK Dons, from where the Blues have signed him.

Doyle told The News: ‘At Coventry you could see the potential every day. Carl probably needed to learn the game but there was no doubting his ability. He ended up doing really well at Coventry and MK Dons and has fulfilled his potential.

‘I think it is a big signing for us, one who can only make us better. Last year we drew a lot of games at home 0-0 and he is the type you want to stop that, he will make things happen and is a matchwinner.

‘Carl will get the ball and go at people, he will get shots off and is a confident lad, but also he will work hard for the team and is fit. He has a bit of everything. I am not the manager, but there were certainly games at home last season, especially against lower sides, where we couldn’t break them down. But Carl will add a lot more quality.

‘And I don’t think playing in front of a big crowd with faze him either, I believe he will embrace it.

‘Everybody gets excited in the summer saying “He will do this, he will do that” but it is up to these lads to then produce it. However, I can only say what I saw and also having played against him — and he has the creativity to go and win the game for you.

‘He can play right wing or in the hole and the way we play can work anywhere along the three. Carl is the type of player who wants the ball, he won’t stand there waiting, he will go looking for it.'

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