Cook: Pompey Right-back recruit will have to bide time

Aaron Simpson will have to bide his time before being handed a Pompey first-team opportunity.
New Pompey right-back Aaron Simpson Picture: Colin FarmeryNew Pompey right-back Aaron Simpson Picture: Colin Farmery
New Pompey right-back Aaron Simpson Picture: Colin Farmery

That is the message delivered by Paul Cook following the 19-year-old’s deadline day arrival from Wolves.

Simpson will add competition to the right-back position, following the departure of Adam Buxton.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The teenager has been a regular in Wolves’ under-23 side this season, turning out against Pompey in November.

Now he has the chance to push for a Football League entrance during a Fratton Park loan deal until the season’s end.

Cook regards Simpson highly, yet there will be no instant call-up into his starting XI at Wycombe on Saturday.

Pompey’s boss said: ‘Aaron is young, he has come in more as a cover type.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘He’s young, aggressive, has good energy and we’ve got Drew Talbot as well with Gareth Evans.

‘It is a little bit of experience for him and there is the chance to break into our team, which is great.

‘In Drew Talbot we feel we have one as equally as good as anything you might be able to bring in.

‘Drew is training well, I thought he did smashing against Norwich under-23s the other week. I would have no hesitation putting Drew in.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘With Aaron, though, let’s just give the kid a chance. Hopefully, you will see him in the first team.’

Cook continues to be impressed by Evans’ contribution at right-back, despite the player’s own preference for starting higher up the pitch.

However, the arrival of Simpson does provide the Blues with another option should the manager elect to push Evans up.

The midfielder, who scored 10 goals last season, is expected to be handed his 23rd successive start in the full-back role at Adams Park on Saturday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The departure of Adam Buxton on transfer deadline day enabled Simpson to be brought to the club.

Buxton’s exit was by mutual consent, with six months remaining on the deal he signed in August after arriving from Accrington.

The 24-year-old has since linked-up with Tranmere Rovers until the end of the season.

Cook added: ‘We wish Adam well, he had injuries at a bad time.

‘He’s a lovely kid, a smashing lad, but never, ever really forced his way in. Good luck to him.’

Related topics: