James Dunne: Midfielder wants Pompey back in the Championship

Dunne made 31 appearances for St Johnstone, scoring twice

James Dunne has said manager Andy Awford's determination to return Portsmouth to the Championship was key to his decision to join the club.

The midfielder signed from Stevenage on a two-year deal having spent the end of last season on loan at St Johnstone.

The 24-year-old helped the Saints lift their first-ever Scottish Cup.

"The boss told me he wanted to be playing Championship football in three years," Dunne told BBC Radio Solent. "That's what I want to play too."

He added: "I haven't played at that level yet and obviously I want to get as high as possible."

Having spent three years at Exeter City before moving to Stevenage in 2012, Dunne is hoping his long-term future will be with the League Two side.

Despite Portsmouth's troubles in recent years, Dunne also pointed to the consistent and impressive support the club are shown as another reason why he was keen to make the move.

"I played here when I was at Exeter and I think that day there were 15-16,000 fans," he said. "It's unheard of having such a big crowd every week at a League Two match.

"We need to make sure we're strong at home and use Fratton Park as a platform."