Rob Atkinson: Portsmouth defender calls return to action a “weight off my shoulders”

Atkinson said he was grateful to parent club Bristol City for letting him go out on loan and play football.

He played for the Robins’ under-21 side this winter as he built up his fitness and had been an unused substitute in 11 Championship matches before his loan move.

“We all agreed that it was something that needed to happen. The manager was great and I knew it was the right decision,” he added.

“I didn’t want to wait around so I wanted to get it done as soon as possible because football changes very quickly. You can’t really say no to Portsmouth.”

The centre-back was team-mates with Pompey boss John Mousinho at Oxford United and their relationship was another reason for him joining.

“Obviously I know the gaffer from when I played with him at Oxford so it was just a no-brainer. It was the obvious choice,” Atkinson said.

“I think it’s important that the manager likes you and gives you a good chance to play and kick on.

“I was flattered at the interest. Being out for so long I’d have thought maybe a lot of clubs would have been reluctant so I was very grateful and I’m hoping to pay that back with good performances.”