‘Without being too cruel’ – Portsmouth told to take action on player who’s not Championship ready
John Mousinho is hoping to be active in the final week of the transfer window, despite Portsmouth’s bright start to the season.
Mousinho has mentioned in several interviews that he would like to recruit at least two extra players before the window closes.
It’s believed he’s targeting some attacking stars to add some extra firepower to his ranks.
Chesterfield forward Armando Dobra and Crystal Palace youngster Franco Umeh are among the players he’s rumoured to be interested to bringing to Fratton Park.
However, some players could also be leaving the first-team squad this week.
This article includes exclusive comment from Premier League commentator Ian Darke.
Portsmouth urged to send Thomas Waddingham out on loan
Portsmouth fans have been urging Mousinho to sign another striker.
Colby Bishop suffered a slight knock in the last game against West Bromwich Albion. If he were to be injured, the only remaining alternative would be young Australian striker Thomas Waddingham.
That would leave Portsmouth woefully short of attacking options, as things stand.
- Read more: John Mousinho says he’s finding something ‘very hard’ at Portsmouth in the transfer window
However, in an exclusive interview with Pompey News, iconic Premier League commentator Ian Darke suggested that Waddingham should be sent out on loan.
He said: “Without being too cruel here, at the moment, Colby Bishop is very much the number one striker.
“Thomas Waddingham, the Australian lad who’s cover for Bishop, I think he needs a loan out in League One or League Two just to get extra craft and experience. I’m not quite sure he’s ready to play in the Championship.
“I do think it’s interesting that that link to [Dobra] is being made. It says to me that maybe John Mousinho is maybe thinking along the same lines.”
Mousinho likely to keep faith with Thomas Waddingham
Waddingham, 20, signed from Brisbane Roar last January for an undisclosed fee.
He scored on his debut against West Bromwich Albion in a 5-1 defeat, but he hasn’t found the net since.
An injury limited his appearances for Pompey last season. He’s only started two games and made seven appearances from the substitutes’ bench.
It’s fair to say that the jury is still out on Waddingham, but Mousinho showed some tremendous faith in the youngster this summer.
The Pompey boss felt comfortable enough to:
- Release Kusini Yengi
- Sell Christian Saydee to Wigan
- Keep Waddingham and Bishop as the only recognised strikers in his squad.
If Mousinho does sign another striker or two, it would likely be to provide competition to Waddingham rather than replace him.
The youngster had shown promise in pre-season, although he perhaps looks a little lightweight, especially when compared to Bishop.
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