Rich Hughes shares plan for Franco Umeh amid Portsmouth ‘frustration’
Franco Umeh has yet to feature for Portsmouth since arriving from Crystal Palace.
Umeh signed for Portsmouth from Crystal Palace this summer, signing a four-year deal at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth spent £500,000 on Umeh on Deadline Day to secure his signature from Selhurst Park.
Umeh is highly thought of and has featured twice for the Republic of Ireland U21s.
John Mousinho has been unable to use this winger due to a hamstring injury picked up at his former club.
Rich Hughes ‘really excited’ about Franco Umeh
Umeh arrived at Portsmouth with plenty of hype, but fans have yet to see his talents displayed on the pitch.
Pompey Sporting Director Rich Hughes has given the supporters reassurances, however and when they will expect to see the winger.
Speaking to The News, he said: “Franco is going to need time. He’s going to need work, but he’s one we are really excited about having in the building permanently and working with, letting him develop and letting him flourish into the player we firmly all believe he will be.”
Hughes reiterated the need for Umeh to be given time to recover from the injury which interrupted his pre-season.
He also added that the Irishman brings a different quality to Portsmouth that may have been missing last season.
He said: “It was a frustration of ours last year that we didn’t really feel we were able to change the game effectively from the bench at the top end of the pitch.
“So we’re giving John that arsenal of different weapons that he can choose from – and I think Franco will affect things when he is fit and ready to do so.”
These quotes will excite fans at Fratton Park, who will be expecting great things from the youngster when he is available.
Franco Umeh could provide attacking spark for Portsmouth
Umeh could be the exact type of player that could make a difference for Mousinho’s side.
The former Palace winger has lightning pace and brilliant dribbling ability with a willingness to carry the ball forward.
Pompey haven’t really excelled in attack this season, and a player like Umeh could be a real spark for the forward line.
| Attacking stats 25/26 | Portsmouth |
| Goals | 4 |
| Goals per match | 0.7 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 8.2 |
While forward players like Adrian Segecic have looked bright, Mousinho needs a variety of options he can turn to.
Hughes outlined this and will be hoping that Umeh can be one of those players who can deliver the goods.
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