Pompey boss challenges triallist to seize chance

The Gibraltar midfielder is in line to feature against Brighton tomorrow night as part of his week-long trial with the Blues.

He impressed in the centre of midfield against Pompey in Friday night’s 4-0 thumping.

After the game, Appleton immediately sought out the 24-year-old, offering him the chance to train with his squad for the remainder of their Spanish training camp.

The builder linked up with the Blues yesterday, watched by dad, Stuart, who hails from Waterlooville.

Walker, who was born in Gibraltar, still has plenty of family living in the Cowplain and Waterlooville areas, some of whom are Pompey season-ticket holders.

And he has been urged by Appleton to earn himself a contract.

The Pompey boss said: ‘We were aware of Liam before we came out of here – a CV and e-mail had come from his dad. When we saw the game, obviously he did well and had a bit of an influence.

‘He’s not really doing anything other than working for his dad, who might be cheesed off he’s not working this week!

‘But I am sure he will be happy in the sense his son gets an opportunity to play the game tomorrow.

‘We have brought him back to the hotel with us. He did fine in training yesterday and is certainly one we are going to look at very, very closely over the next few days and make a decision.

‘It’s up to him to impress us.’