John Mousinho shares Portsmouth plan for ‘nuisance’ Callum Lang
John Mousinho has admitted Callum Lang will eventually need a rest following his crucial exploits with Portsmouth this season.
Lang – who did miss a minor period last month through injury – has been vital to maintaining at least some return from a difficult campaign so far, adjusting to the Championship far more easily than many of his teammates.
The forward is expected to start once again as basement boys Pompey visit Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday [5 November], but his head coach is mindful of the marathon of minutes he is undertaking and ground he covers.
“Callum is right up there. He has been one of our best players and is one of the first names on the teamsheet. He’s a really important player,” Mousinho told The News [4 November].
“He gives us so much in terms of energy, athleticism and willingness to press. Look at the amount he creates just off the back of being a real nuisance up top. It’s just about keeping him injury free.
“He’s a really, really fit lad and sometimes it’s [about] keeping him fresh. We rely so heavily on his energy up front that we must make sure we give him a rest when we can. We have to keep him as fresh as we can for the season.”
Callum Lang has shone for Portsmouth
While Lang and several others could do with a few days’ recuperation from the rigours of the league campaign, Portsmouth currently cannot afford to leave him out.
The 26-year-old has a goal contribution in every two games this season, an excellent record while in a team propping up the league table.
Lang’s work-rate and versatility have earned him his berth as the first name on Mousinho’s teamsheet, as the head coach navigates constant injury issues to figure out and strategise his most effective XI.
A muscular injury meant Lang missed three Championship games between 28 September and 5 October: home draws against Sheffield United and Oxford United, which sandwiched the dismal 6-1 defeat at Stoke City.
Upon his return, he netted his second goal in as many games as the Blues sealed their elusive first win of the season at Queens Park Rangers [19 October].
If Pompey can repeat the feat in Plymouth on Tuesday, they will move above Wayne Rooney’s side.
In other Portsmouth news, Dan Bardell predicts the outcome of Pompey’s mooted survival scrap.
For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.