Don Goodman names which player can play vital role in Portsmouth survival scrap
Don Goodman believes Matt Ritchie’s experience is to thank for his impact at Portsmouth this season.
Portsmouth have certainly been embroiled in a rollercoaster of a season so far, but their main goal is to steer clear of the relegation zone come the end of the campaign.
Ritchie, having scored twice in a recent clash with Middlesbrough, has been highlighted by Goodman as a potential catalyst to achieving that.
Speaking exclusively to Pompey News, he said: “When you’ve got an old head like Matt Ritchie, who’s been around the block and played at a higher level in the Premier League, then it can only really benefit, really.
“I just think when I last saw Portsmouth, they thumped Coventry 4-1 at Fratton Park. Had Callum Lang not scored all four goals, Man of the Match would have gone to Matt Ritchie. That’s how influential he’s been.
“So yeah, he’s a very, very important player.”
Matt Ritchie crucial to Portsmouth survival chances
While players such as Lang and Josh Murphy will take the limelight for their contributions, the impact of Ritchie cannot be understated at Fratton Park.
Very few players among the Pompey ranks have the level of experience in English football than the Scotsman does, and that can often be the decider when it comes to who avoids the drop.
Especially in closely contested pictures, game management is paramount to a result and that experienced head in the squad serves a crucial purpose in keeping everyone level-headed and seeing out the game.
Ability wise, Ritchie is just as important having notched on three occasions for John Mousinho’s side this season, with plenty more to come from him.
In other Portsmouth news, Colby Bishop may not be the most prolific striker in the Championship, but he holds a significant level of importance.
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