Carson: Pompey defensive duo shining brightly in League Two

That is the verdict of Trevor Carson, who has been wowed by the performances of Bondz N’Gala and Sonny Bradley since he arrived at Fratton Park.

The duo have established themselves as Guy Whittingham’s favoured centre-half partnership, after N’Gala initially filled in for the injured Joe Devera.

Such has been his impressive form, N’Gala has been shortlisted by Sky Bet for the League Two player-of-the-month award for October – in addition to earning an extended Blues deal until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Bradley is attracting scouts from the Championship as his outstanding start to his Pompey career continues at pace.

And Carson, who joined Whittingham’s men on loan early last month, insists the in-form duo are a force to be reckoned with at this level.

He said: ‘When I was at Bury, I remember the manager (Kevin Blackwell) saying William Edjenguele and Nathan Cameron were the two best in the league.

‘But, for me, Bondz and Sonny are definitely up there with the best I have seen at this level.

‘And I am sure they both have ambitions of playing at the higher level as they are young lads.

‘As a goalkeeper, you sometimes get a feeling behind two centre-backs of being safe and secure – and that is what I get with them.

‘They are strong and athletic, and 90 per cent of the balls in the air they go up and win.

‘But it’s not just the little header and it drops down – it is always 30-40 yards and it gets you 20 yards up the pitch.

‘Both are doing really well and I’m sure they know themselves they have got to keep their form.

‘If I was a Portsmouth fan I would be excited about the prospect of those two going as a partnership.

‘They are young lads and are only going to get better working together. In training they are always behind doing extra headers and clearances.

‘Young centre-halves at the minute in this league are a rarity.

‘It’s mostly about experience, so to see a young partnership like those two is unusual.

‘They are absolutely great lads, too, not big time.

‘Things won’t go to their heads, they know they’ve had a couple of good games but also know it counts for nothing.’

N’Gala has started the past eight matches for the Blues, taking advantage of an opening created by Devera’s hamstring injury.

Devera is now back in the side, although as a right-back, left-back or as Bradley’s stand-in when suspended.

And N’Gala – who couldn’t even get a club at the start of the season – goes from strength-to-strength in Whittingham’s first team.

Carson added: ‘Bondz has scored three goals but his defending has been brilliant as well.

‘I am told, even in the York game, he was one of the only ones who did okay.

‘For me, he’s a great defender. When he goes up and wins a header you know he’s going to win it.

‘Some defenders I’ve played with, it’s there to be won and it just drops down into midfield.

‘Bondz will tell you he’s not the best footballer in the world but he knows he can head it, kick it and is strong in the tackle.

‘That is what he does.

‘He is not going to be a Beckenbauer but is a good, steady centre-back.’