John Mousinho rules out Ryley Towler loan exit from Portsmouth

Ryley Towler will not be leaving Portsmouth on loan in the current transfer window, John Mousinho has confirmed.

Mousinho, speaking to The News (16 January) following the defeat at Blackburn Rovers, admitted Towler is needed in the squad as Pompey look to salvage their place in the Championship.

The 22-year-old has been in and out of the side for sustained periods and netted his first goal of the season against Swansea City on New Year's Day but had been heavily linked with a January loan exit.

"I think with Ryley being our first change at Blackburn and starting games, I don’t think [leaving is] a possibility now," he said.

"I think that will now remain the same for the window, as it stands now and for the rest of the window, I’m pretty sure Ryley will be here.

"With Ryley, it was always about thinking he needs games and needs games to develop. If he’s around Portsmouth getting games, involved in the squad and getting on that’s better than him going elsewhere.

"He’s moved on from not being in squads and not getting game time, so I think it would be the wrong thing to try to get him out."

Ryley Towler transfer call made at Portsmouth

Towler is not the talisman of the Portsmouth team, but he is certainly the type of consummate professional with an exemplary positive attitude that is needed in the dressing room.

His performances, while bordering on risky at the start of the campaign, have steadily improved since he was restored to the side - having been a long absentee from the starting XI between August and December.

Pompey have endured shuffling through many different defensive partnerships this season, some of which have involved Towler and others have seen him nowhere near selection.

Mousinho has always been publicly transparent about his opportunities, but it now appears as the transfer window rolls around again, he is becoming more important at Fratton Park.

Several League One teams are suggested to be interested in a loan move for Towler, but the loveable Bristolian looks to be staying in blue for the expected survival fight ahead.

In other Portsmouth news, the issues laid bare that affected Sammy Silvera to see his loan cut short early.

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.