David Norris offers take on Nicolas Schmid as Portsmouth stopper forced off v Cardiff
David Norris expects Nicolas Schmid to remain the long-term Portsmouth number one goalkeeper.
The summer signing from Austria was drafted in for Will Norris after his shocker at Stoke City, and has started each game since before being withdrawn with blurred vision against Cardiff City [22 October].
He was subsequently replaced by fellow new recruit Jordan Archer in South Wales, and doubt remains over who John Mousinho can field between the sticks on Friday night [25 October] against Sheffield Wednesday.
Ex-Blues midfielder Norris, speaking exclusively to Pompey News, gave his verdict on the goalkeeping situation at Fratton Park.
“I see him being the long-term number one. Change has to happen at some point when there is uncertainty. I spoke about it with my old club Leeds United as well, that if Illan Meslier stayed in the team and they got battered, he’s likely getting dropped.
“People were questioning Norris before the Stoke game, and that turned out to be the final straw. I’d be very surprised if when Schmid is fit, he’s then getting dropped back to number two.
“I fully expect him to be given a prolonged run in the team and his chance to be the number one long-term – it’ll be interesting to see how Norris responds in the next few weeks.”
Portsmouth goalkeeping options in disarray
With Norris out nursing a short-term injury and Schmid now a doubt for Friday’s visit of Danny Rohl’s Owls, Archer is likely to be handed his first start.
For the former Tottenham and Millwall goalkeeper, he will have been subtly pleased he did not concede during his first hour on the pitch for Pompey.
Fourth-choice youngster Toby Steward is currently out on loan, while Under-18 ‘keeper Conal McDermott would be next in line for the matchday squad.
In other Portsmouth news,