Ireland international Gavin Bazunu believes a loan spell with League One side Portsmouth will help him achieve his aim of establishing himself as first-choice ’keeper with Manchester City.

Having tested himself in England’s third tier on loan to Rochdale last term, Bazunu will spend this season with Portsmouth as they were chosen by City from the list of suitors who wanted him on loan.

“My overall goal is to be number one at Manchester City one day. To give myself the best chance of achieving that goal is to come to a team which plays similarly. I had a few other options such as Ipswich, Charlton and Burton, but for me this felt like the right move,” Bazunu told the ‘Portsmouth News’.

“Obviously being at Manchester City and the way they play, I wanted to come to a team which wants to perform in a similar fashion. That’s only going to improve me as a goalkeeper and help my development

“Talking with City and my agent, they believed Pompey would be a better area to come to develop my game. For me, I have a desire to play – and play good football. From training over the last two weeks you can see how we want to go about things, playing really high energy, with intensity, and hopefully playing exciting football,” he added.

“Playing matches is where the real experience comes. I want to kick on. I want to be on another level at the end of the season to what I am now. Hopefully that will come through game-time and experience.”

Meanwhile, Fleetwood Town have added former Ireland international Anthony Pilkington to their ranks following his return from India. The 33-year-old had been playing for East Bengal but Town boss Simon Grayson has agreed a one-year deal with the veteran.