Pompey new-boy Aborah ruled out of Barnet trip

The former Notts County midfielder yesterday arrived at Fratton Park in a deal until the season’s end.

However, Leam Richardson admitted the 29-year-old is not yet under first-team consideration as the Blues seek to bring his fitness up to speed.

Aborah has been restricted to only 52 minutes of match action since November 15, having fallen out of favour at Meadow Lane.

And Pompey’s assistant manager revealed the new arrival will not be in the squad for Saturday’s trip to Barnet.

Richardson said: ‘No, Stan won’t be considered, at the minute he’s way off fitness and sharpness.

‘In possession he is great, but when it becomes expansive then that is the concern.

‘Our subs are fit and you can see when they go on the pace is tough to get into.

‘The gaffer wants everybody up to speed and tuned in.’

Meanwhile, Richardson believes Aborah’s ideal role is as part of the two holding midfielders.

That means he will rival Michael Doyle, Amine Linganzi and Danny Rose for a spot in Paul Cook’s favoured 4-2-3-1 system.

Richardson added: ‘If I was going to choose, he would play in that two.

‘He receives the ball, he starts play, he handles the ball very well and is rarely loose in possession.

‘I will be very surprised if he doesn’t play forwards to a blue shirt, he is very productive.

‘When we faced them at their place last season, he sat deep and always started play.

‘We have watched him quite a few times and he can also play in that attacking three if you want to dominate possession.’