Mousinho tells Portsmouth hero Blair how to become ‘as good as Josh Murphy’
Harvey Blair wrote his name into Portsmouth history books on Saturday as he bagged his first senior goal while playing in a Blues shirt.
The summer signing from Liverpool has had a season with which he has conceded his own frustration, having started for just the second time in the Championship this season at Sheffield Wednesday (26 April).
Blair will hope to make more of an impact at Fratton Park next term, having notched his first strike by tucking away Josh Murphy’s 14th assist of the season.
John Mousinho explains highs and lows for Blair
With Portsmouth already having confirmed their place in the Championship for 2025-26, Mousinho decided to make several changes at Hillsborough last weekend.
The contest ended 1-1, with neither side having anything meaningful left to play for, as Pompey fans can enjoy the finale at Fratton this Saturday (3 May).
It will be far from the case for opponents Hull City, who know they must win to give themselves a decent chance of survival themselves.
Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent of his plans for Blair over last weekend, and analysed the “highs and lessons” of the day for the 21-year-old.
“It was a perfect lesson for him [on Saturday], as he scored his first senior goal and threw up after about 25 minutes,” the head coach said.
“So he’s got the highs and then the lesson that if you want to get to Murph’s level for example, you need to get unbelievably fit as a base.
“It’s been tough for him as he hasn’t played a number of games, but Saturday will be a great benefit for him and will be encouraging.”
Blair will be pushing for another opportunity against Hull, with Mousinho under more pressure externally than from anywhere else than to field his strongest team with the Tigers fighting against five other Championship clubs to stay up on the last day.
Portsmouth must decide plan for fringe players in summer
Portsmouth have many decisions to make over the summer – not just in terms of new arrivals of which there should be a fair few, but also those who stick around and those who won’t.
Blair is one who several have mooted to head out on loan, believing regular football would be a huge benefit. It’s not hard to see that view, given his limited football in a blue shirt this season and the fact he was never loaned out from Liverpool.
| Harvey Blair – Portsmouth 2024-25 | Total |
| Appearances | 11 |
| Starts | 2 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Minutes played | 271 |
Kusini Yengi is out of contract with Pompey retaining an option, but an injury-ravaged season for the Australian international has not yielded a single goal.
Tom Waddingham, an Aussie compatriot of Yengi, could be another loan candidate, while centre-halves Ryley Towler and current Charlton loanee Tom McIntyre will need their respective futures sorted.
It promises to be a busy summer at Fratton Park.