Owen Moxon says he’s looking forward to returning to a club he loved playing for – even though he’ll be trying to beat them.

The former Carlisle United midfielder will be back at Brunton Park with Portsmouth this weekend.

It is only Moxon’s second game for the League One leaders since his deadline-day move from the Blues.

The 26-year-old says his affection for his home-city club was always strong during his time there but stressed why he was keen to make the move to John Mousinho’s high-fliers.

“I’m looking forward to going back up,” Moxon told the BBC.

“I loved everything about Carlisle – I loved being there.

“They tried to keep me there, [but] when I knew Portsmouth were interested, I felt it was the best thing for me and my career.

“It matched my ambitions of where I want to be. I want to come and try and help the club achieve where they want to be. It was a perfect fit, really.”

Moxon could have a key role in Pompey’s push for promotion after a series of injuries to Mousinho’s squad.

He was a substitute for his first game – the 4-1 home win over Northampton Town last weekend.

Season-ending injuries to fellow midfielders Joe Morrell and Terry Devlin could open the door to Moxon early into his time at Fratton Park.

Speaking further about his decision to leave Carlisle towards the transfer deadline, the player from Denton Holme added: “It was carnage really. I’ve never been in that position before.

“I didn’t know what was happening – I heard it was meant to be happening, then it was just between the two clubs, then when I finally got to speak to the club and manager it was something I really wanted to do.

“It was a no-brainer. It was as [a case of] quick as I could get down here, really, once everything was all agreed. It was carnage but enjoyable as well.”

Moxon, a fans' favourite at Brunton Park whose flag bearing the phrase ‘He’s one of our own’ is now on display in the Warwick Road End, is now targeting a place in the Championship as his former club battle against relegation.

“Coming into a team that’s top of the table, the standards set are brilliant,” he added. “We want to go on and finish the job. Hopefully I can help in any way I can.”