The scorer of 13 goals thus far in his debut season for the south coast club, the former Adelaide and Western Sydney Wanderers striker has won the confidence of coach John Mousinho and the adulation of Pompey’s famously raucous fans in a year which also included breaking through for his country.

The next step on the ladder is adapting and delivering on the far more technical stage of the Championship, a division where subtler skills are a pre-requisite.

Speaking ahead of Saturday night’s visit of Wigan to Fratton Park - and the fanfare of being adorned with the League One title - Yengi, 25, told FTBL: “For me, it’s been a great time since joining this club. I’ve got to debut for the Socceroos and score quite a few goals for Pompey.

“It’s been a productive season and one to remember. I love this club, the coach, the fans, the staff and the players - they’ve helped me grow and flourish this season.

“Even though I didn’t start as many games as I wanted or maybe picked up as many minutes as I’d have liked, with the time I’ve had on the pitch and on the training ground I think I’ve done really well.

“The club are keen on me and think I can do well in the Championship next season, and I think so too.

“I’m excited for next season to see how it goes, keep developing and play against more difficult opposition.

“I think, in a way, the Championship will suit me better than League One - the ball’s on the ground more, there are more balls in behind and it’s a bit more technical.

“In League One there are a lot of long balls, and wrestling to win possession.”

With another year on his contract, with an option for a third, Yengi has an eye on both the long game, as well as the here and now.

“My immediate aim is keep going right to the end and score as many goals as possible,” he added.

“We want to win the remaining two games and get to 100 points, something not many teams get to do.

“We’re also unbeaten in 17 games and want to keep that run going, lift the trophy and get our awards after the match.”

Yengi has started Australia’s last two games, is off the mark with his first senior goal for his country, and has it in his gift to be the long-term replacement for veteran target man Mitch Duke.

“I’m also excited for more games with the national team, learning under Arnie (Graham Arnold) and Rene (Meulensteen) and developing as a Socceroo,” he said.

“To do that I need to keep doing well at Pompey - for sure, this is my time (with the national team) to step up and stake a claim for that spot which is becoming available now. I’m keen to do that.

“I’m happy to take on that responsibility and welcome any pressure. As long as I get service in the box I’ll score goals, which is what I’ve been doing here with Portsmouth.

“I’m in a good place right now. My family are over here and I’m looking forward to celebrating a bit more with the fans after the season is done.

“We have the noisiest, most rowdy supporters - they never stop singing from the first minute to the last.

“I think coming here has been a great decision in every aspect - from the fans to the style of play the gaffer adopts.”

Yengi is hoping fellow Socceroo Alex Robertson, a revelation in midfield on loan from Manchester City this season, returns for a second spell. 

Rubbed out by a season-ending hamstring injury, Robertson is on the road back to fitness and was in the crowd at Fratton Park for the 3-2 home win over Barnsley which sealed the title.

“Alex did so well for us and had a great season before the injury - I’d love for him to come back,”  saidYengi, who scored Pompey's opener against Barnsley.

“I love playing and linking up with him. He hadn’t played much senior football when he came in and people weren't too sure how he’d go.

“He’s very technical but he coped really well with the physicality and was able to show his quality and class. He was a big influence on us and the style of football we played, despite his year being cut short.”