Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley has said Joe Rafferty's love to win aligns well with his side's own ambitions after the 28-year-old's move to Fratton Park was confirmed.

The 28-year-old has signed terms on a two-year deal for the south coast club.

Rafferty was available on a free following his release from Preston North End at the end of last month.

Speaking as the defender's arrival was confirmed, Cowley was full of praise for his new player.

“Joe brings Championship experience from a successful Preston team and has also performed very well in League One." Cowley told Pompey club media.

“He didn’t play as much as he would have liked last season and so I think he’ll come feeling energised and looking forward to the challenge that playing for Pompey brings.

“Joe is a boy who really loves to win and the ambition that he has aligns with the ambition of the club."

With the right-back having racked up 66 appearances in the second-tier, his capture could be viewed as somewhat of a coup for the League One club.

Cowley believes that experience, along with the rest of his career, can have a positive influence on the younger players at Fratton Park.

“We’re a pretty youthful squad and he offers a lot of experience and, importantly, he’s also a great character." the Pompey boss added.

“He’ll be a role model in the way he conducts himself, so he can help in the development and support of our young players.

“Joe has played at Fratton Park before and knows how passionate our fans are, so he was really eager to sign."

Portsmouth kick off their League One campaign on July 30th with an away trip to Sheffield Wednesday.

The Verdict

This is a brilliant signing for Portsmouth.

As Cowley discussed, Rafferty is a fantastic character and an experienced player, at League One level and beyond.

With Pompey having lost loanee Mahlon Romeo this summer, the full-back position was one that needed strengthening and Rafferty's arrival certainly does that.

On a two-year-deal, too, it offers Danny Cowley and his side some stability in the position over the next couple of seasons.