Norris shares ‘difficult’ verdict on Ogilvie amid Mousinho Farrell selection decision
David Norris says Connor Ogilvie could find the Portsmouth left-back competition “difficult” following the return of Jacob Farrell.
Farrell made his long-awaited debut against Sheffield United on Saturday and kept a clean sheet at Fratton Park, a timely replacement for Ogilvie who missed out through illness.
It remains uncertain who the long-term left-back choice is for Mousinho, as Ogilvie signed a contract extension in the summer while the younger Farrell was drafted in from the A-League.
“It could be difficult for Ogilvie at the new level and trying to deal with criticism when he’s had quite a tough start,” ex-Blues man Norris exclusively told Pompey News.
“Farrell is now a realistic option and the competition is there, and Ogilvie has had a few games but been inconsistent.
“The pressure is going to be on them both and there could be changes while Mousinho figures it out.”
Portsmouth have competition in key areas
Make no mistake, Mousinho will be pleased with the competition and cover, especially with the rotten injury luck Portsmouth have suffered with in the Championship’s opening seven games.
Farrell has been a key feature of that injury list, having finally made his Fratton bow last weekend, after Ogilvie impressed against Burnley.
But there have been games the 28-year-old has struggled in – namely West Brom, Leeds and Sunderland – while 21-year-old Farrell has been working his way back to fitness.
Both are unproven at Championship level and are finding their feet, and the left-back slot is one of several which see multiple players vying for a spot.
While Mousinho is still missing some of his key operators, the competition will help move the individual performances at Pompey in the right direction.
In other Portsmouth news, the latest on whether Australia will take Kusini Yengi away with the squad this month.
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