Portsmouth academy coach Andy Awford admits having showdown talks with Ryan Williams which set him on his way to the first team and a move to Fulham.

Awford revealed that Williams had benefited from a few home truths after losing his way under former Academy boss Paul Smalley.

The former Blues skipper told The News: "I came in a year ago and Ryan won't mind me saying this but he wasn't quite at the races with his attitude.

"I put him straight on a few things as did Paul Hardyman and I think he (Williams) thrived on it.

"He liked the discipline and the new direction we gave him and he knuckled down and worked hard.

"He deserves his chance because he's a really nice lad and is now seeing the benefit of that hard work."