Hawks move '˜ideal' for Pompey talent

The out-of-favour striker has joined the Skrill South club on a one-month loan deal.

He will provide cover for injured attacking duo Dennis Oli and Christian Nanetti.

For Harris, it ends a frustrating spell on the sidelines that has seen him fail to feature in all six of Pompey’s League Two outings.

The 19-year-old also missed out on the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win at Torquay, while he was and unused substitute in the Capital One Cup defeat to Bournemouth.

It is a contrast in fortunes for the Waterlooville talent, who made 26 appearances for the Blues in last season’s League One campaign.

But Whittingham is hopeful an invigorated Harris can benefit from a spell at Westleigh Park.

The Blues boss said: ‘Ashley needs some games and I think that is an ideal situation for us and for him.

‘He’s local, so we can keep an eye on him.

‘We know Bradders (Hawks boss Lee Bradbury) and obviously we’ve had players there before.

‘Hopefully we will be helping them out a bit as well.

‘It’s important for Ashley to go and get some games and not to think he has no chance of getting in the first team.

‘He needs to go out, get games and make sure people see he is bright and cheerful – and a good footballer.’

Whittingham added Harris’ recent frustrations are part and parcel for all young players learning their trade.

He added: ‘It happens, no matter where you are.

‘Look at Dan Butler at the moment and Jed (Wallace), who’s had a spell out of the team.

‘These sort of things happen to players. It’s just the natural way of how things happen.’