Zak Swanson set for permanent axe after what Portsmouth team-mate has done
Zak Swanson’s hopes of finishing the season strong for Portsmouth could be in vain after what Terry Devlin has done away from Fratton Park.
Swanson has been a regular starter for Portsmouth this term as John Mousinho’s side navigate their first season back in the Championship, with only Conor Ogilvie starting more often in the Blues’ backline.
Portsmouth’s 61 goals conceded may be the third-highest in the division and more than two of the sides currently in the bottom three, but that’s amid a spate of injuries which have forced Mousinho’s hand.
Central defence has undoubtedly been the area most affected by Pompey’s injury crisis this term, but Swanson’s place as Mousinho’s first-choice right-back could also now be under a serious threat.
Terry Devlin displays forcing Zak Swanson out at Portsmouth
As Swanson and co recouperate at Hilsea during the international break with Mousinho hopeful that several injured players will be fit to feature afterwards, one Portsmouth star has been making waves.
| Player | Appearances | Starts | Goals/Assists | Clean Sheets | Yellow Cards |
| Zak Swanson | 29 | 22 | 1/1 | 6 | 3 |
| Terry Devlin | 26 | 10 | 0/1 | 6 | 2 |
Terry Devlin – who started at right-back ahead of Swanson in Portsmouth’s controversial loss at Preston last time out – made his Northern Ireland debut on Friday, and impressed in a 15-minute cameo.
Devlin has made 16 substitute appearances compared to just 10 Championship starts this term, but his form, international call-up and subsequent performance have justified Mousinho’s decision to start him.
Portsmouth, who sit four points clear of the bottom three with eight games to go, have been urged to cash in on Devlin this summer, with his debut against Switzerland sparking a positive reaction all round.
Mousinho to re-jig Portsmouth defence after Devlin developments
With Devlin impressing on international duty and new free-agent signing Alexander Milosevic likely to be fit enough for a debut against Blackburn on 29 March, Mousinho is arguably spoilt for choice at the back.
That’s certainly the case when compared to the dearth of options he’s had in defence for most of this season, with skipper Marlon Pack the usual go-to when Mousinho has needed players to deputise.
Jordan Williams and Rob Atkinson’s returns will provide Mousinho with further depth, and as Pompey round the bend into this season’s home straight, an all-new backline could soon be set to take shape.