Pompey: Teenage Kicks: No surprise to see Adam Webster shining

Adam Webster has been in excellent form for Ipswich

I’m 17 years old and I’ve been a season-ticket holder in the Fratton end for as long as I can remember.

I am also the youngest member of the Pompey Supporters’ Trust’s Next Generations group, which tackles all issues that may concern younger Pompey fans.

I hope you enjoy my weekly column in the Sports Mail, describing the goings on at our club through the eyes of a younger supporter.

Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy sung the praises of former Pompey man Adam Webster this week.

McCarthy said the same as many Pompey fans did last season – the fact Webster will play in the Premier League.

Webster was widely viewed as the Tractor Boys’ man of the match in a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, where apparently Premier League scouts were there to watch.

But this really isn’t a surprise, Webster showed his class consistently last season, and it is great to see that he’s adapted to the Championship relatively quickly.

Let’s hope Pompey have got a tidy sell on clause in the sale agreement with Ipswich!

To me, it’s also highlights that the gap between the Championship and League Two is not as wide as once assumed.

And that many lower league players can hold their own higher up the divisions.

There is talent in League Two, it is not purely a kick-and-rush league like it maybe once was, or at least assumed to be.

Yes, there are Pompey games where the opposition did just that.

But, there are many games where teams get the ball down and play.

This could be down to pitches getting better.

I do not intend to put unnecessary pressure on Conor Chaplin.

But I think when talent is clear to see then it should be praised.

Conor Chaplin could follow in Webster’s footsteps – this is my personal opinion.

He has got the confidence and ability to do just that.

But there is a similarity between Adam and Conor.

Webster had to wait a long time to get a regular spot in his preferred position of centre-back.

Young players have to be managed.

Maybe Paul Cook is doing the right thing, maybe he is managing Chaplin correctly.

Because when he’s ready, he could cause even more damage to League Two defences.