Kal Naismith is praised but remains on Pompey transfer list

The out-of-favour Scot was selected at left-back for the Blues’ EFL Cup trip to Coventry City last night.

His stunning 25-yard free-kick five minutes from time ensured the Ricoh Arena fixture entered extra-time deadlocked at 2-2.

Andy Rose’s 106th-minute strike then settled the match in the favour of Tony Mowbray’s League One outfit to send them into the second round.

Afterwards there was praise from Cook for Naismith, yet the 24-year-old’s Fratton Park future continues to remain in doubt.

Cook said: ‘Kal is on the transfer list, the lad played last night because we wanted to put a team on the pitch with the Crewe game in mind.

‘Kal always gets on with it, he doesn’t show a bad attitude or anything like that, these are just managerial decisions, nothing to do with bad attitudes.

‘He scored a great goal and showed some great qualities, certainly in possession of the ball you can see the talented boy he is at times.’

A player who may yet stay at Pompey for the long-term is Amine Linganzi, who last night made his debut.

The ex-Accrington player gave a man-of-the-match display in one of the holding midfield roles as he caught the eye alongside Adam May.

It was a highly-encouraging show from the 26-year-old, who on Monday signed a month-long deal.

And Cook was pleased with Linganzi’s maiden outing for Pompey.

He added: ‘He is getting fitter and stronger and has a bit about him.

‘He has signed for a month and we want to have a good look at him during that time.’

– neil allen