Colby Bishop: Portsmouth striker says criticism from fans hurt

Colby Bishop backheeled the winner as Portsmouth ended a three-match winless run with victory over Stevenage on Monday

Colby Bishop admits he has been hurt by criticism from fans amid "the trickiest period" of his Portsmouth career.

The 27-year-old cupped his ears to the Fratton Park crowd after backheeling his 13th goal of the season in Monday's League One victory over Stevenage.

Pompey's reigning player of the year has come under fire in some quarters after his performances in the club's three-match winless run over Christmas.

"It hurts but I try not to let it affect me," he told BBC Radio Solent.

The New Year's Day winner means Bishop has still not gone three games without a goal for the League One leaders this season.

"I didn't really celebrate. I think everyone can read into it," he added.

"I don't think anyone likes being criticised. Sometimes my performances might not be as good, but I always give 100%. All I can do is do my talking on the pitch and I think I did that.

"I care about my peers' opinion, my manager's opinion and people close to me and that's all that matters. The gaffer has been brilliant with me, he's backed me from day one and I am really grateful for that."

Asked if it had been the trickiest spell of his Pompey career, Bishop admitted: "Yeah, it's tricky. I have scored 13 goals and it's the start of January.

"I think a lot of people would probably say that's a good start but for some people that's not good enough. I could do better but I feel like I am not doing too bad."

After a prolific spell in non-league football, Bishop spent three years at Accrington before moving south in 2022 and has now scored 37 goals in 76 games for Pompey.

"I try to ignore (the criticism) but when other people bring it to your attention you think, 'oh it must be bad'," Bishop said.

"You'd think we're not top. Sometimes when things go wrong you have to get behind people. I think that's what support is. It's easy to support when things are going well but sometimes people are going to have bad games, I am going to, but it's nice when you get picked up by people and not slandered.

"I think the fans have been amazingly patient this season.

"Every time this year when we have gone behind or conceded an equaliser you hear the noise erupt and they've been brilliant and that's what we need. It makes a massive difference, when things don't go well on the pitch but the fans get behind you."