'I owe a tremendous amount to Pompey'
Rob Atkinson says he will be "forever grateful" for the opportunity Portsmouth have given him this season and is desperate to help keep the club in the Championship.The 26-year-old, who has been on loan at Pompey from Bristol City since January, was heavily involved in the 2-2 draw with Derby on Saturday, scoring twice and also turning into his own net.His 91st-minute equaliser could yet prove to be a vital point for John Mousinho's side, who are four points clear of the relegation zone with four games to play."It's not done, I won't be happy until we're definitely safe and playing Championship football again next season," Atkinson told BBC Radio Solent."I feel the club owes me nothing and I owe a tremendous amount to the club because they took a big, big gamble on me and I'll forever be grateful for that."Atkinson missed the previous seven league games with injury and had been struggling with illness before the Derby game but came straight in to start at Fratton Park."I think that's just the way I am as a person but also as a professional footballer," he said."I'm not really your stereotypical academy brought up football player. I've done it the hard way and I see playing football as a bit of a blessing really. "I've been in relegation battles before. I know how to play in those sort of situations."If Portsmouth do stay up, Atkinson believes they have the ability to finish much higher up the table next season."I think this football club is going to be way better than that next season," he added. "They've got the nucleus, the core of players that are dangerous and will cause any defence - as we have this season - trouble."With a home record and a home ground like this... just need to fix that away form and you could be well up there."
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