Starlet will get chance to shine at Pompey

The former Hampton & Richmond striker, 17, has agreed scholarship terms with the Blues, with a view to a professional deal when he turns 18.

Thompson is expected to be instantly loaned out to the Hawks when his registration goes through. But the move has left Hampton fuming at how they have been treated over the move.

While Thompson was a non-contract player and Pompey did not have to pay any fee, the Blue Square Bet South outfit’s chairman Steve McPherson branded the Blues a ‘disgrace’ for failing to pay compensation.

McPherson said: ‘To receive the treatment we have had from Portsmouth FC and others associated with Dan is an absolute disgrace.

‘For a club the size of Portsmouth, paying players tens of thousands of pounds a week, not to even make a goodwill donation disappoints us and leaves a very bitter taste in the mouth.’

While Appleton has only caught brief glimpses of the powerful striker, he has trusted Academy boss Andy Awford’s judgement.

And the Blues manager, who confirmed the deal was imminent, said: ‘Dan will be one for the future.

‘I’ve only seen him on two or three occasions in training so I’m putting my trust in the good staff we have here that he’s the right type to bring in.

‘When the opportunity comes, we can get him training with the first team as regularly as we can. I’m sure between now and the end of the season I will get him with us as much as I can.’