Ian Darke: Portsmouth have 'real quality' in Mark O'Mahony

Ian Darke believes Portsmouth have a talent in Mark O'Mahony, with the young Irishman currently out of the team at Fratton Park.

The 19-year-old, who's on a season-long loan at Pompey from Brighton, scored two in two games last month but has since seen his playing time dwindle.

Pompey are struggling to convert the chances they create, which was more evident than ever against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday [5 November], with Kusini Yengi recently preferred by John Mousinho to lead the line.

"It's important not to have had to rely on him too much, but he could still be an important loan signing," TV commentator and Blues fan Darke exclusively told Pompey News.

"He was held in high regard at Brighton and still is, but they have such a stack of attacking players that the best thing was to let him go. His goal against Oxford [5 October] was a real goalscorers' goal, and little moments he has on the half-turn make me think he has some real quality.

"I would be hopeful that with the right service, he can get more chances in the side and get goals. A key thing for Pompey is to establish a key operating service for their strikers because now they're creating a few more chances."

Portsmouth looking to improve at both ends

While players like O'Mahony will be wondering what they can do for more game time, Mousinho is searching for the right formula to end a record for Portsmouth of the joint-third worst attack in the Championship, combined with the outright worst defensive record.

Preston North End, in 20th and only six points above bottom-placed Pompey, are the next visitors to Fratton Park, where the club's last victory on home turf was the promotion clincher against Barnsley back in April.

Many have called on the club to dip into their funds and invest into the squad in January in a bid to avoid an instant drop back to League One.

In other Portsmouth news, a potential return to the side for a player who has not featured since August.

For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.