Portsmouth assistant manager Joe Gallen believes the acquisition of Reeco Hackett-Fairchild could have a similar outcome to when the club signed Jamal Lowe back in 2016.

The club confirmed their second deal of the January transfer window on Monday evening, bringing in the 21-year-old on a two-and-a-half-year deal from National League side Bromley after triggering his release clause.

The deal echoes Jamal Lowe's arrival at Fratton Park in 2016, as Portsmouth also dipped into non-league to sign the forward from Hampton & Richmond Borough.

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Speaking to the Portsmouth News, Gallen says Hackett-Fairchild could have the same kind of impact at the club.

"It’s a bit like when Jamal Lowe came in, that’s the best way of putting it. I would say it's very similar."

The 47-year-old also outlined his plans for the forward, who can play in all three attacking positions in Pompey's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

"Certainly we see someone who can develop. Take his instinct for scoring and his natural football ability, add a little muscle to improve his power, which can take a bit of time, and we feel in the future he’s quite a nice, rounded player for the club," he added.

Hackett-Fairchild was playing league football as recently as February 2019 for Charlton, but also spent time last season on loan at Borehamwood and Bromley respectively before joining the latter on a permanent deal in the summer.

The 21-year-old has featured 25 times this term for the Ravens, finding the net on eight occasions for the National League side.

The Verdict

Hackett-Fairchild now has an opportunity to prove himself at League One level once again, after dipping down to the National League with Bromley.

Naturally, this signing will draw comparisons with Jamal Lowe's Pompey switch in 2016 because of the non-league link.

The club will be hoping that the 21-year-old can be another good find from the lower divisions.