Walkes' Pompey joy in battle of the '˜worldies'

The versatile performer netted on his Fratton Park debut against Doncaster in February following a loan arrival.

On Saturday he marked his maiden home appearance since sealing a permanent switch with another goal.

The 21-year-old's stunning 44th-minute strike secured a 1-1 draw with FC Utrecht in the Blues' final pre-season friendly.

For Walkes, the 25-yard first-time strike also represented his best goal since playing as a child.

By his own admission, FC Utrecht's Sean Klaiber's magnificent opener from long-range eclipsed the subsequent leveller.

But the former Spurs man revelled in his contribution '“ and wants more of the same in the forthcoming season.

He said: '˜To be fair, it was one of those days. You think 'I'm going to take a shot after seeing the first one from their guy'.

'˜Since worldies were happening, I decided to give it a go!

'˜I've not scored a goal like that before in my career, maybe when I was a kid, but I've not had one like that.

'˜That's one to keep in the memory '“ and it's a long season so hopefully I can have a few more.

'˜It was good hold-up play by Pits, I didn't expect him to give it to me, instead perhaps setting himself up for a shot, but he rolled it to me and fortunately I got a good technique on it and it hit the back of the net.

'˜As soon as I saw my angle I wanted to hit the ball comfortably. Some days Pits wouldn't give me the ball, but thankfully he put his trust in me and I got the goal.

'˜I set the bar high the first time by scoring on my Pompey debut, so it's great to do it again being back at Fratton Park permanently.

'˜There's a  big season ahead,  hopefully.'

Pompey had fallen behind to Klaiber's outstanding 30-yard first-time shot which rocketed into the far top corner of the net.

And Walkes was an admirer.

He added: '˜I would say the first one was better than mine.

'˜I'd like to blow my own trumpet but there is no ignoring that first strike, that was unstoppable.

'˜I tried to get across quickly to get it, but there was no way, it was an excellent strike, fair play to the lad.

'˜We were defending, sitting back trying to take on the pressure and get a quick break, but when a goal goes in like that you have to hold your hands up.'