‘I’ve never given up’: Emotional hero Conor Chaplin reveals pride at Middlesbrough glory amid Ipswich Town man’s testing Portsmouth homecoming
Conor Chaplin promised his belief at delivering for Pompey has never wavered as he emerged as their dramatic late, late Middlesbrough hero.
And the huge Blues favourite has told of the challenges he’s faced this season, amid his high-profile Fratton homecoming from Ipswich Town.
Chaplin was the man who stepped up with the dramatic 97th-minute winner at the Riverside Stadium this afternoon, as John Mousinho’s men stunned the promotion chasers with a smash-and-grab success.
The academy graduate sparked pandemonium among the away fans as he diverted in Adrian Segecic’s shot deep into stoppage time - and ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the 1,325 travelling supporters.
It’s been a tough campaign for Chaplin following his high-profile deadline-day capture from Portman Road last summer, with the 29-year-old not producing the number of goals and assists he would’ve hoped for.
The homegrown hero acknowledged that it’s been far from plain sailing for him, with testing moments to challenge his resolve along the way.
Chaplin insisted his conviction about what he could deliver for Pompey was never broken, however, hoping the winner can be the turning point in his team’s season.
He told The News: ‘I hope it’s a pivotal moment, I really hope so.
‘There’s still five games to go and a lot of points up for grabs, so no one is getting carried away.
‘It’s a big win and a big three points, it’s an even better win coming to a place like this where not many people would have given us a chance.
‘It’s a big relief and it’s been a tough season for me at times, I haven’t hit the heights I would’ve wanted to hit personally.
‘But I genuinely have a belief I’d have big moments - and big moments between now and the end of the season.
‘That belief has carried me though to give me something which wasn’t clean, it was scruffy in fact, but I really don’t care.
‘I feel it’s just rewards for continuing to work hard every, single day.
‘I’ve never given up, if you’re playing well or not playing well, loads of confidence or not a lot of confidence, believe in the work you’re doing every, single day. I’m proud of that.’