Player-manager Craig McAllister has signed Southern Division One South neighbours Blackfield & Langley`s long-serving defender Joe Byrne, who had six seasons with the Sydenhams Football League (Wessex) champions.

Byrne was with Boro before moving to Gang Warily.

McAllister has also signed centre-back Matt Casey on loan from SkyBet League One neighbours Portsmouth.

Eighteen-year-old Casey was handed a third-year scholarship in May 2018, following a fruitful two-year spell within the club's under-18s.

The lofty centre-half signed a two-year apprenticeship in July 2016.

Technically astute and an assured presence at the back, the local youngster has been tipped for a bright future within the game by development bosses at Fratton Park.

He was an unused substitute in the Blues squad that beat Northampton Town 2-0 in the Checkatrade Trophy in December 2017, and subsequently for a handful of League One fixtures.

He was on loan at Gosport`s league rivals Weymouth earlier this season but made just two appearances before returning to Fratton Park.