'Modern-day footballer' Reeco Hackett-Fairchild looks a good Portsmouth asset after Plymouth strike

That’s the verdict lof Liam Daish, who was impressed with what he saw from the January arrival in the reserves’ 1-1 draw at Plymouth.

Hackett-Fairchild moved to Fratton Park earlier this month for an undisclosed fee, after the Blues triggered a release clause in his Bromley contract.

He was handed his debut just a day later in the 2-1 EFL Trophy victory at Walsall, with the 21-year-old featuring for 63 minutes.

After being left out of the match-day squad against AFC Wimbledon, the new boy was called upon for Tuesday’s Central League Cup visit to Home Park.

He spearheaded the attack against the Pilgrims and it proved a trip worthwhile as he netted the Blues' equaliser.

The ex-Charlton man’s performance impressed Daish, who was in charge of Pompey for the fixture.

Now the challenge is for Hackett-Fairchild to build on his encouraging display.

Daish, Pompey's professional development phase coach, said: ‘He looks like a modern-day footballer.

'He is tall, athletic, showed good movement and took his goal well.

‘He also linked the play really well, was willing to run in behind and looked good on the ball.

‘Reeco also did his bit for the team and was always willing to come short or go long – he looks a good asset.

‘He played as a number nine in a 4-3-3 formation, so he played up top and looked really good.

‘He took his goal really well. It came from a cross from the right and it was a composed first-time finish.’

Hackett-Fairchild is vying to feature for Kenny Jackett’s side when they face Scunthorpe in the EFL Trophy quarter-finals at Fratton Park on Tuesday.

Should he not be required, he’ll likely line up for the reserves against Doncaster at Westleigh Park in the same evening.