View: Mousinho decision on Clout shows youth has a route at Portsmouth
Portsmouth youngster Harry Clout could bring the club a serious windfall in the future, as long as the club provide him the best pathway possible.
Clout was named on the substitutes’ bench by John Mousinho for last Saturday’s goalless draw with Luton Town at Fratton Park, following some excellent glimpses in pre-season.
The teenager is still a second-year scholar but Mousinho told The News [2 July] that having watched him for the club’s Under-18 side, he has been the “outstanding player on the pitch”.
Clout was recognised by Football League World [17 August] as a player who could make the club “serious money” in the future as part of a squad scattered with promising players.
Portsmouth must offer development plan for Harry Clout
As fans begin to take notice of Clout – in the same way successful academy graduates have progressed in the past – it is important the club take as much responsibility as the player.
While he works towards a professional contract, Clout and his family have to be aware of the obstacle that remains at Pompey, and that is the lack of Under-21 side at Fratton Park.
This has resulted in a glaring absence of a professional development phase or a bridge between the youth academy and first-team picture – the club then have to rely on the loan system if they are to keep their young pros ticking over and getting games.
The alternative is what has taken place over the summer, with the entire clutch of teens to complete their scholarships moved on – some have already joined Premier League sides.
If there are loan opportunities for Clout in the coming years, this will not be an issue and Pompey can work a development plan for a clearly talented local lad, and league appearances will raise his market value if there is a pathway elsewhere.
Portsmouth have a gem, and must play this situation right to avoid a repeat of past mistakes.
In other Portsmouth news, a quartet from the squad have picked up another award.
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