Lalkovic's Pompey gamble

The winger is in contention to make his Blues bow against Carlisle at Fratton Park.

The Slovakian is vying with Kyle Bennett for a spot in Paul Cook’s starting XI.

Lalkovic is out to make his mark after stepping down from League One with Walsall.

The 23-year-old explained that wasn’t an easy decision – but was a calculated one.

‘We have potential to be champions. Let’s see,’ said Lalkovic.

‘I stepped down because of the potential. If we get promoted to League One, who will be the biggest club in that division? I’m already there.

‘It wasn’t an easy decision, but I think it was a clever one. We will see at the end of the season if it was clever or not.

‘We can go up and go again. There are League One or Championship-level players here at the moment.

‘It’s not going to be easy but I think we’re already ready for the next step if it happens.

‘We just need to get out of this league. It won’t be easy. There will be ups and downs and frustrations, but the whole thing, the size and potential of the club, means we can do it.’

Lalkovic’s assessment of the squad Cook has assembled is there are the players to help fulfil his personal ambitions.

He added: ‘There are really good players here. Good on the ball. There are aggressive players and ball-playing players.

‘The defenders try to play out from back. There’s a good balance.

‘It’s a massive club I want to be part of and go places with. I believe it will happen.

‘It’s my decision to come to League Two. I can make the steps with a big club, I can progress with the club.’

– JORDAN CROSS