Thomas Waddingham has been backed to make an impact in the Championship after laying down a pre-season marker at Woking.

The Blues striker opened his goal account in the 2-1 opening win at the Kingfield Stadium, as he produced a man-of-the-match second-half display in Surrey.

Waddingham won the game for John Mousinho’s men against Jermain Defoe’s side, after enduring a wretched time at Fratton Park since arriving from Brisbane Road in January of last year.

The 21-year-old has been hampered by a quad issue, which means he’s made just a single league start amid 12 appearances at PO4 to date.

Waddingham’s had a clear run in pre-season, however, and showed the promise Pompey fans haven’t seen enough of, producing a high-tempo performance capped by his smart 55th-minute left-footed finish.

His Pompey team-mate Hayden Matthews has witnessed what his countryman is capable of at close quarters, however, and has no doubt the striker has the potential to make a mark at PO4 next term.

Matthews expressed pleasure at his pal getting up and running in pre-season and seeing the smile back on Waddingham’s face.

Matthews said: ‘Seeing him out there and doing that after the 18 months he’s been through is brilliant.

‘We signed at the same time, but for a long time he’s been struggling with injuries and it’s great to see him back out there scoring goals.

‘We see what he’s capable of every day in training, so it’s just really pleasing to see him back out scoring on the pitch.

‘That’s definitely a taster of what he can do. He’s still young, he’s a year younger than me even.

‘He’s a pretty strong boy and he’s quick with it.

‘He presses hard, he works hard and he’s got a very tidy finish on him.

‘He can definitely achieve good things and it’s good that he’s enjoying being back on the pitch. Now it’s about continuing to enjoy that and playing well.’