Portsmouth FC manager considers recalling Haji Mnoga from loan as injury crisis deepens
Portsmouth FC manager Danny Cowley has hinted he may recall defender Haji Mnoga from his loan spell with non-league Weymouth as his selection pool has been reduced to just 14 senior players.
The latest tranche of injury woes for the club has seen winger Reeco Hackett sidelined for the rest of the season while defender Kieron Freeman is also out for several months alongside defensive midfielder Shaun Williams.
Danny Cowley said that he was considering a reluctant recall for the defender.
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"I really don’t want to bring him back, I think he’s developing, he said.
"Whenever the young player is on that upward curve and they are getting really good experiences and playing time, then you want to keep them there.
"For the long-term strategy of this football club, we are about developing young players, that has to be a real focus of ours because we’re not going to buy our way out of this division. We are going to have to recruit really intelligently and develop young players.
"If we can do that then hopefully, we can have the success that we want."
Portsmouth are also looking to extend the contract of midfielder Louis Thompson beyond this season following a string of impressive performances.
The 27 year-old, who has been troubled by injury throughout his career, signed a one year deal last year.
Danny Cowley said: "We’ve been really proud and pleased with his availability. I think he’s in the best physical shape then maybe he’s been for many years. There’s no doubting his technical ability and tactical understanding.
"There’s also no doubting the type of boy he is in and around the place. He’s so good for the culture of our group.
"It’s definitely a relationship we’d like to extend."
