Kieron Freeman: You haven't seen the best of me at Pompey

Kieron Freeman insists there is plenty more to come from him during his Fratton Park stay.
Pompey full-back Kieron Freeman Picture: Joe PeplerPompey full-back Kieron Freeman Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey full-back Kieron Freeman Picture: Joe Pepler

The on-loan right-back was granted a Pompey debut in Saturday’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Leyton Orient.

By the 23-year-old’s own admission, in the second half he felt the effects of what represented a maiden first-team outing since November.

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Having fallen out of favour at Sheffield United, Freeman went on to feature in just one under-21 fixture before recruited by the Blues last month.

He has since worked extensively with Pompey’s fitness coach, Adrian Cooke, in post-training sessions to prepare him for duty.

And the former Nottingham Forest apprentice believes once he is up to speed he can make an impact in Paul Cook’s side.

He said: ‘It was a bit heavy for me in the second half, with me not playing in two months.

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‘I haven’t played, so later in the game felt my legs a bit. It was a heavy pitch as well, but I will get myself back to full fitness the more games I play.

‘I wasn’t anywhere near a squad in two months at Sheffield United, I played one under-21s game and that was it.

‘Before then I played every match – and then nothing.

‘I suppose that’s football. I don’t know the reason why – you will have to ask the manager there for that.

‘Since coming to Pompey the fitness coach has worked me really hard and tried to get me in the best shape he can for matches. But, obviously, football fitness is different to running, going on the exercise bike and stuff like that.

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‘We’ve been working after training, just to get me in shape because I haven’t been doing anything.

‘The fitness work is completely different to what I was doing at Sheffield United, it will get me ready.

‘Hopefully, after a couple of games you will see what I can do, although I have never before been in the situation of playing every game and then suddenly stopping.’

Freeman had made 22 appearances under Nigel Adkins before a last Blades outing at Barnsley on November 28.

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Subsequently, he failed to be named in another squad until leaving for Pompey on loan.

The attacking right-back, however, was a regular member of Nigel Clough’s Sheffield United side which reached the League One play-offs last season. Now he wants to get back to playing again.

‘On Saturday I just enjoyed getting out and playing on the pitch, but was disappointed we didn’t win,’ added Freeman.

‘For a while I haven’t had the opportunity to play – so now I must take it with both hands.

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‘I haven’t played in front of people too much, so Saturday was a bit strange for me.

‘But it’s a privilege to play in front of a big crowd, especially in a stadium like Fratton Park with fans like this. I hope there’s more to come.’