Kyel Reid has headed out for another loan spell after again demonstratig his potential with an excellent display for the reserves this week.
Homegrown product Reid has previously had spells at Barnsley and Crystal Palace, the latter coming at the end of last season, and will travel to Championship outfit Blackpool on a high. In a new central midfield role, he made one and scored one as Portsmouth reserves were beaten 2-0 on Monday night at the Boleyn Ground.
The left-sided player, who turned 21 on Wednesday, said: "For my goal I just thought once I hit it on target I knew it was going to go in. As soon as the ball came to me I got a touch then I thought if I get it on target it will go in and it did. So I was very pleased because I needed a goal. The boys played really well and put in a good performance."
Reid, who could make his Blackpool debut at Plymouth on Saturday, may be heading to the north-west but this week's taste of the Boleyn reminded him of his ultimate ambition - to establish himself at West Ham United. "It always nice to play out there," he said. "It's a big pitch and I'm used to it. It's my home and it's a dream come true."
He has gained plenty of confidence from working under the manager. "Gianfranco Zola spends quite a lot of time with us after training doing extra stuff on our technique and movement off the ball. It's good because he's encouraging the young ones and giving them a chance. It's brilliant learning from him as he's still sharp and he's a great player."
Reid also had words of praise for the faith in him shown by reserve-team coach Alex Dyer. "He brings a lot of entertainment to the team and is a good motivator to get the team ready for the game. Since he's taken over the players have done very well for him," he said, before adding that he has also been encouraged by the opportunities given to fellow youngsters.
He said: "Jack Collison breaking into the first team has given me a boost, also Freddie Sears getting in there as well. I'm just waiting for my chance to get in there and I can perform and do myself justice. My target is to be in and around the first team and get a few games under my belt."