Yahoo Sports Return to action weight off shoulders - Atkinson
Portsmouth defender Rob Atkinson says it was a "weight off his shoulders" to play Championship football for the first time in almost two years following injury.
The 26-year-old signed on loan from Bristol City on 3 January and was a 69th-minute substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland two days later.
He admitted he had not expected to be called upon from the bench but was glad to make his return having not played first-team football since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in February 2023.
"I'm glad it happened. It went pretty well from an individual point of view and I thought we were a little bit unlucky not to get something," he told BBC Radio Solent.
Atkinson said he was grateful to parent club Bristol City for letting him go out on loan and play football.
He played for the Robins' under-21 side this winter as he built up his fitness and had been an unused substitute in 11 Championship matches before his loan move.
"We all agreed that it was something that needed to happen. The manager was great and I knew it was the right decision," he added.
"I didn't want to wait around so I wanted to get it done as soon as possible because football changes very quickly. You can't really say no to Portsmouth."
The centre-back was team-mates with Pompey boss John Mousinho at Oxford United and their relationship was another reason for him joining.
"Obviously I know the gaffer from when I played with him at Oxford so it was just a no-brainer. It was the obvious choice," Atkinson said.
"I think it's important that the manager likes you and gives you a good chance to play and kick on.
"I was flattered at the interest. Being out for so long I'd have thought maybe a lot of clubs would have been reluctant so I was very grateful and I'm hoping to pay that back with good performances."
Atkinson said he was unsure of his long-term future but the plan for now was to get as much game time as possible to prove to himself and others he could still perform consistently in the second tier.
"Beyond that, I'm not so sure. I love Bristol City, I'd love to stay there, but you never know with football," he said.
"I'm happy to be here and I want to really help this football club.
"I've put it all [injuries] behind me and I'd like to look forward as a fit football player."
