Portsmouth news round-up: Rich Hughes reveals ‘frustration’ as Conor Chaplin issue is confirmed
Portsmouth have continued to be busy as they prepare for their trip to Ipswich Town on Saturday.
John Mousinho has been preparing his team for the trip to Portman Road, in what will be a difficult game.
The manager continues to face problems ahead of the match, as he aims to end the South Coast club’s losing run.
On top of this, Ipswich are finally turning their form around as they look to seal an instant return to the Premier League.
Now, Pompey News has highlighted all of the latest news ahead of their impending fixture.
Rich Hughes ‘really excited’ about Franco Umeh
Franco Umeh signed for Portsmouth on deadline day from Crystal Palace.
The youngster is believed to have plenty of potential. However, the winger has not been able to feature for Pompey yet due to an injury.
Nevertheless, sporting director Rich Hughes has stated his excitement for Umeh after last season’s frustrations.
- Umeh signed from Crystal Palace on deadline day
- The 20-year-old regularly featured on the bench for the Eagles
- The winger will be hoping to make his Pompey debut in the near future
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.”
“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.”
Conor Chaplin unavailable for Ipswich clash
On top of Umeh, Chaplin is also set to be out of the Ipswich game.
The attacking midfielder has started both games for Pompey since signing on deadline day.
However, with Portsmouth set to play Ipswich on Saturday, Mousinho has confirmed that Chaplin is unavailable due to an agreement in his loan deal.
He said: “All over the pitch really, with the likes of Shaughnessy picking up the injury.
“We have got Conor (Chaplin) coming out of the side because of the loan agreement, so there are going to be opportunities for players to come in and hopefully impress after a disappointing result on the weekend.
“That’s why we have got the squad, that’s why we built the squad, and that’s why we need players competitive in every position now, and it is going to be an interesting chance for a couple to go out and prove themselves.”
Josh Murphy could be fit for Ipswich vs Portsmouth
On the brighter side of things, Portsmouth could see Josh Murphy and Yang Min-hyeok back for the Ipswich game.
The duo both missed the Sheffield Wednesday loss with a knock, with the attackers both being a big miss.
Now, Mousinho has confirmed in his recent press conference that both are in contention to play against the Tractor Boys on Saturday.
He said: He said: “Murphy is ok, we will look for Murphy to train on Friday and then make a decision on the back of the session on Friday.”
He then added: “Min-hyeok is back in training and will be available for the weekend.”
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