Portsmouth may recall fourth-choice goalkeeper Toby Steward to provide further cover following Will Norris and Nicolas Schmid’s recent injury issues.
Norris started Pompey’s first eight Championship games of the season but the first-choice goalkeeper has been ruled out following a knee injury. Second-choice Schmid filled in against Oxoford United and QPR before sustaining a concussion injury during Portsmouth’s 2-0 loss at Cardiff.
Steward Heading Back to Portsmouth?
Currently, Norris is out for the foreseeable future, while Schmind is doubtful for Friday night’s clash against Sheffield Wednesday. As a result, third-choice goalkeeper Jordan Archer is likely to start in goal and it will be his first league appearance for over three years.
With no other senior goalkeepers available to fill in on the substitute bench, Pompey boss John Mousinho is looking to recall Steward. The 19-year-old joined Tonbridge Angels on loan in the summer and has made 11 starts for the National League South outfit.
Speaking to the News about Portsmouth’s goalkeeping injury crisis, Mousinho said that bringing Steward back into the fold is a genuine consideration at this stage.
We would recall Toby Steward. He’s our player, we’ve got to call him back.
The Australian coach also revealed that Norris could be in contention for the Hull clash on November 2 as he has resumed light training. Schmid will need to pass concussion tests to be available for the Sheffield Wednesday game.
However, Mousinho will seemingly be happy to field Archer again on Friday. Following the Cardiff defeat, the 38-year-old singled out the former Millwall goalkeeper for praise.
‘I thought Jordan was superb, probably one of the only shining lights of the performance. I thought he did really well.
‘He had a couple of moments in the game, but really kept the scoreline respectable. To come in out of the cold like that – not in terms of his involvement in the squad, but not having played a huge amount of football last year and no minutes this year – and to play like that was really pleasing.
Writer’s View
Recalling Steward seems a sensible decision currently. Mousinho needs backup and the 19-year-old would return to Fratton Park with match fitness and experience, albeit at a lower level. However, with Norris and Schmind potentially back for Hull, it may be counter-productive to bring Steward back for one match to likely sit on the bench,
