Credit: Imago

Portsmouth transfer flop hailed as 'brilliant' by Middlesbrough boss

Kevin graduated with a Sports Journalism degree from Liverpool John Moores University in 2024. Having worked as a commentator for Marine, he is now the commentator for non-league side AFC Fylde. He joined Breaking Media as a Club Sites Writer in 2025.

Published on:

04 Oct 2025, 2:40 am

Portsmouth are currently on their worst run of the season, without a win in their last four games.

Portsmouth drew 2-2 with Watford on Wednesday night and have not picked up a win since August against Preston.

John Mousinho's side face a really tough test against Middlesbrough on Saturday, looking to end the visitors’ unbeaten run.

Portsmouth will also come up against a former player, who flopped at Fratton Park last season, and may have revenge on his mind.

John Mousinho needs a big performance from his side on Saturday (Credit: Imago)

Pompey failure praised by Rob Edwards

Sammy Silvera spent the first half of last season on loan at Portsmouth, where he made little to no impression.

Silvera had his loan cut short at Portsmouth after only making 12 appearances for the Blues last campaign.

Ahead of his return to Fratton Park, his manager, Rob Edwards, has showered praise on the Australian, citing his 'brilliant attitude.'

Mousinho, in contrast, publicly called out Silvera last season, labelling the 22-year-old 'wasteful' in his time at Pompey.

🇦🇺 Rob on Sammy Silvera:

"Brilliant attitude, brilliant human being. He is flexible and he works really hard. That discussion we had early on, he talked about how much he wanted to be here, and it really struck a chord. I said now's your chance, go and show me - and he has." pic.twitter.com/3UF86Hfn8p
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) October 3, 2025

Silvera will be in line to start for Middlesbrough, having come on as an early substitute in his side's scoreless draw with Stoke City, replacing the injured George Edmundson.

Read More: Portsmouth could do something not seen in nine years when Middlesbrough visit Fratton Park

Silvera will have point to prove at Fratton Park

Silvera will return to the South Coast for the first time since his departure in January of this year.

The Australian defender will come up against fellow countryman Adrian Segecic, who is in good form for Pompey and will look to score in back-to-back games.

Silvera joined Portsmouth on loan from Middlesbrough in July 2024
The Australian made 12 appearances for Pompey
Silvera has won aight caps for the Socceroos

Silvera will want to show Pompey fans what they're missing with a solid display on Saturday for his parent club.

The 22-year-old may have felt that he wasn't given a fair chance at Fratton Park and was unfairly criticised by Mousinho.

Portsmouth fans will want Silvera to have an uncomfortable return to his former side and may want to target him as a weakness in the Boro lineup.

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Sammy Silvera