Milosevic transfer now welcome relief for Portsmouth star – Dan Godfrey
Portsmouth unveiled a much-needed addition in recent days, welcoming Alexander Milosevic into the squad as a free agent.
The Swedish international defender signed a short-term deal until the end of the season with Portsmouth, his first club since leaving AIK last year, but could not feature in the win over Leeds United on Sunday as he awaited international clearance.
The experienced Milosevic, 33, stands at 6’4” and adds crucial depth due to John Mousinho’s injury worries in the Portsmouth backline, having spent a brief previous stint in England with Nottingham Forest in 2019.
Portsmouth signing eases burden on star
Portsmouth have been back down to the bare bones in terms of central defensive injuries of late, with Conor Shaughnessy, Rob Atkinson and Hayden Matthews all joining the season-long Ibane Bowat on the sidelines.
Milosevic can not only provide crucial cover, but also take the strain off Marlon Pack, who has been elected by Mousinho to improvise as a centre-half for much of this season.
Captain Pack, who was instrumental in Pompey’s midfield to earn promotion to the Championship last term, has filled in to mixed success, though was absolutely terrific alongside the whole team in Sunday’s win over Leeds at Fratton Park.
To keep a clean sheet against the league’s leaders and highest goalscorers who were unbeaten in 17 is an amazing feat, and should hopefully give Mousinho and his team that key belief they can defend against the best.
Milosevic will not go straight into the side against Plymouth Argyle on Wednesday night (12 March), given how well Pack partnered Regan Poole against Leeds; match fitness is also a legitimate concern.
The Swede can rather be eased in where needed, and will certainly take the pressure off Pack, whose defensive performances have been criticised where necessary this season.
Pompey strive to continue good form
The unexpected win over Leeds not only further cemented the chances of safety for Portsmouth this season, but also brought the positive form back to Fratton Park.
Pompey have now won four of their last five, their blip coming at Luton Town on 1 March, and will be confident heading into Wednesday’s home clash with Plymouth.
Argyle are better under Miron Muslic, but will still be underdogs despite having beaten Portsmouth at Home Park earlier this season; Pompey’s home form has been in eye-opening contrast to much of their fortune on the road.
| Portsmouth – remaining March fixtures | Date |
| Plymouth (H) | Wed 12 March |
| Preston (A) | Sat 15 March |
| Blackburn (H) | Sat 29 March |
A win would just about secure safety once and for all, with a trip to Preston North End this Saturday then bringing a step back for the international break with some Blues players expected to be in action.
The win over Leeds wasn’t just key in the survival race, but also in terms of defensive mentality. Pompey have proven they certainly can do it.