Portsmouth new-boy Lewis Ward's No1 target as he completes loan move from Exeter
New Pompey keeper Lewis Ward said he intends to push current No1 Craig MacGillivray all the way as he looks to make a Fratton Park impact.
The 23-year-old has joined the Blues on loan from Exeter until the end of the season.
He arrives after Pompey confirmed that current back-up keeper Alex Bass has suffered a stress fracture to his leg and could be out until the end of February.
Ward will replace rookie American keeper Duncan Turnbull on the bench for Saturday’s trip to Charlton and for the foreseeable future.
His 50-plus games at Football League level means he is a more experienced option if MacGillivray was to pick up an injury.
However, the Blues’ fourth new arrival this month admitted he’ll not be content with just a place on the bench.
He wants to make the most of the opportunity and challenge for the No1 jersey.
Ward told the club website: ‘It happened quite quickly and I’m here initially as number two, but to compete and challenge.
‘I got a phone call and this is a huge, historic club, so it was an opportunity that I couldn’t really turn down.
‘I know that I’m not going to walk straight into the team this weekend, but if I can push Craig and he pushes me, then that’s great.
‘Joining Exeter was my start in League Two and now this is my next step into League One – hopefully I can go further.
‘I ruptured my ankle earlier in the season and I was enjoying a run of games at the time, but I’m all good now, which is perfect.’