Portsmouth defender handed first-team chance after making loan switch

Portsmouth defender Michael Ani has joined Southern League Premier South side the Hawks on loan. Under caretaker manager Shaun Gale, the 20-year-old right-back was immediately handed a starting role in Saturday's FA Trophy match against Taunton, which ended in a 3-2 defeat.

Ani signed professional terms with Portsmouth in May following his academy graduation and previously featured in three pre-season friendlies under John Mousinho. He played 80 minutes on his Hawks debut before being substituted due to cramp.