Harvey Blair shares ‘difficult’ admission after landmark Portsmouth moment
Portsmouth treated their loyal away following to their final point on the road this season when they drew 1-1 with Sheffield Wednesday.
The share of the spoils at Hillsborough saw Harvey Blair score his first Portsmouth goal, striking midway through the first half and cancelling out Callum Paterson’s early opener.
Blair was one of numerous Pompey stars given an opportunity by John Mousinho, with Ben Killip also notably coming in for his debut between the sticks, making some smart saves.
Blair admits ‘difficult year’ after delight at Portsmouth milestone
Portsmouth supporters were treated to one last point and goal on the road – of which there haven’t been as many as they’d have liked – on Saturday.
It has undoubtedly been the form at Fratton Park which has sealed the deal for Pompey, and ensured Championship football for at least another year.
Blair will hope to be an increasingly vital part of the long-term project, having signed permanently from Liverpool last summer in a £300,000 deal.
The winger has been open about his frustration at limited opportunities this season, having started just twice in 11 outings.
After turning home Player of the Season Josh Murphy‘s 14th assist of the campaign, Blair told the official Portsmouth media channels that he is working hard to maintain the positive mindset to turn things around from his “difficult season”.
“Honestly, I’m just buzzing with it,” the 21-year-old beamed.
“Obviously, it’s been a difficult season for me. But I feel like with hard work and the right mindset, I’m getting there.”
Pompey prodigy Blair has never been out on loan
Blair is 22 this year, but can still be considered a prospect in development terms.
The Portsmouth summer arrival joined from Liverpool, where he had been restricted to a sole EFL Cup appearance in 2021. He was withdrawn after 55 minutes by Jurgen Klopp, who admitted the game did not suit Blair as they faced Preston North End.
Interestingly, the former Anfield starlet has not yet experienced a loan move, something which has been extremely prevalent in the elite academies, including that of Liverpool. After all, Kaide Gordon is currently on loan at Fratton Park from the Reds – but has himself only made five appearances.
Blair has therefore been largely funnelled into Under-21 and development games, with no realistic high stakes riding on each match. Even the result itself is secondary to footballing education at that level.
| Harvey Blair – professional career | |
| Liverpool | 2021-2024 |
| Portsmouth | 2024-present |
Next season, it will be intriguing to see what Mousinho and Rich Hughes decide to do with Blair. Conversations will doubtless be held over the summer, and a decision will be made on what’s best for the youngster – whose raw ability is clear to see.
Blair could be loaned out, or integrated further into the Portsmouth squad. We wait and see what comes of his future at Fratton Park.