Ian Darke backs Harvey Blair to be ‘future star’ at Portsmouth
Ian Darke has backed Harvey Blair to become a “future star” after signing for Portsmouth in a permanent deal from Liverpool.
The 21-year-old winger has made three substitute appearances for John Mousinho’s side since sealing a £300,000 move from Anfield, having featured in Arne Slot’s pre-season plans.
Renowned commentator and Pompey fan Darke has made clear his excitement about the youngster, who was one of 14 senior signings at Fratton Park over the summer.
Speaking exclusively to Pompey News, Darke said: “There will be a few players who will be wearing L plates in the Championship this season, but one player I’d pick out where I believe Portsmouth might have signed a future star is Harvey Blair.
“I’ve spoken to people at Liverpool who have said they would never have sold him for £300,000, but for the fact he is a little bit fragile at the moment.
“He wasn’t going to get in their first team anytime soon, but they had a lot of respect for his level of ability. He will frighten some defenders this season if he stays fit and strengthens up a bit.”
Portsmouth have a potential gem in Harvey Blair
Like any transfer – particularly for a young player – there is a risk element involved, but Blair was one John Mousinho and Rich Hughes weighed up and deemed worthwhile to invest in.
Liverpool’s reluctance to sell is a factor which will encourage Portsmouth fans, alongside his early promises in his trio of cameo appearances.
Credit does have to go to the Reds for not limiting Blair’s career and stockpiling him – after all, he is the same age as Harvey Elliott in the same position, who has already played 120 times for the first team.
There will be a bedding-in process with the young forward, due in part to the fact he has barely any experience of senior football having never been loaned out. Dipping him in regularly appears to be the most sensible approach from Mousinho at present.
As Darke says, if they can use Blair in the right way and he is willing to accelerate his progress, he can be a very successful player on the South Coast.
In other Portsmouth news, the latest team update means this player could be dropped against Burnley.
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