What future holds for Tottenham Hotspur starlet after new Portsmouth boss’ arrival

And the new Blues boss has made it clear he sees the Tottenham Hotspur starlet fitting into the new-look formation being utilised following his arrival.

Scarlett was one of the players to miss out on a place in the starting line-up in Mousinho’s first two games in charge, following a switch to a 4-3-3 formation.

The 18-year-old came into the team on the left side of Pompey’s attacking trio at Peterborough last weekend, however, with Ronan Curtis sidelined and Michael Jacobs returning from a knee scare.

Scarlett has predominantly been used as an out-and-out striker alongside Colby Bishop this term.

Mousinho is now going down another route in terms of formation, but believes the highly-touted teenager can work within that framework without being compromised.

He said: ‘Dane’s flexible enough to do that (play in a 4-3-3).

‘I think it was frustrating coming in with that change of shape, not playing how we previously were and Colby (Bishop) being the focal point of that attack.

‘I get it. I wanted him to be angry and not happy with me - but show it in his performances on the training pitch.

‘I think Dane is flexible enough to play anywhere across that front three - and he’s shown that previously this season.

‘I’m not just looking at Dane and thinking he’s a centre-forward and nothing else. I think he can provide us with a bit more.

‘A lot of players are like that.

‘I don’t want to shoehorn players in a position and hang them out to dry.

‘But sometimes players can play in a couple of positions and be more effective doing one thing than the other. Dane is one of them.’

Like Scarlett, there’s been other players like Kieron Freeman, Joe Pigott and Reeco Hackett who’ve either not featured or had limited minutes since Mousinho’s arrival.

The new man at the helm believes it’s natural for those not starting to feel like they aren’t rated by the 36-year-old - but that isn’t the case.

Mousinho added: ‘I’ve had 18 managers in my time.

‘If I had a new manager come in and not pick me I’d say: “this guy hates me”.

‘It’s just not the case, though.

‘I get it and understand it, it’s completely natural and I understand the psyche.

‘You’re thinking about where his focus is - and it’s not on me.

‘But my focus now will be on the lads who aren’t playing, because I’ve seen what the lads who are playing can do.’