LEE BRADBURY has backed Dan Butler to make a Pompey impact.
The 18-year-old left-back was recalled from an impressive loan spell with the Hawks on Monday and named in Guy Whittingham’s squad.
During his time at Westleigh Park, the East Cowes youngster became a regular, making 11 appearances for Bradbury’s side and earning some rave reviews.
Butler was even named as the Hawks’ player of the month for November, such had been the strength of his displays.
Now he’s back at Pompey and available for Saturday’s visit of Notts County.
Hawks boss Bradbury believes the home-grown talent has a bright future ahead of him.
The ex-Pompey striker said: ‘Dan came over and gave us a lot of energy and quality. He takes football very seriously and is a pleasure to have around. He will grab the opportunity and has a bright future.
‘What I like about him is he has a very good left foot and can deal with the ball, seeing a pass and being able to deliver it.
‘For me his biggest attributes are his calmness on the ball and fitness levels.
‘He will attack and get up and down that flank – not many can stay with him for 90 minutes down that side of the pitch.
‘Some people can find it a culture shock coming from the Football League but Dan dealt with the physical side of it very well.
‘He came up against all sorts of different wingers, small, quick and big and strong, but all men. All the old tricks came out and he dealt with it.
‘He has a brilliant attitude. I would give him a lot of information about players he was up against and he was always asking questions and more questions.
‘It will be difficult to replace him, to be fair. We have pushed up Chris Arthur into the left-midfield spot and he has been fantastic, with Dan working behind him.
‘We always knew we were never going to get him for the whole season, though.
‘He’s a lad who is very hungry to do well – and I think he will.’
Butler made his Pompey debut in the Capital One Cup tie with Plymouth in August.
However, he was subsequently not named in the Blues’ squad of 20.
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