Danny Cowley grants surprise Portsmouth debut, while newcomer Joe Morrell on bench for Crewe visit

Danny Cowley has handed a Pompey debut to Gavin Bazunu this afternoon.
By Neil Allen
Published 14th Aug 2021, 14:12 GMT
Updated 14th Aug 2021, 14:24 GMT
New signing Joe Morrell is on Pompey's bench against Crewe this afternoon. Picture: Valerio Pennicino/Getty ImagesNew signing Joe Morrell is on Pompey's bench against Crewe this afternoon. Picture: Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
New signing Joe Morrell is on Pompey's bench against Crewe this afternoon. Picture: Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

While new signing Joe Morrell must make do with a place on the bench for the visit of Crewe to Fratton Park.

The naming of Bazunu in the Blues’ starting XI is a clear statement on who Cowley regards as his number one in goal.

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Bass started the previous two matches against Fleetwood and Millwall, with Bazunu still finding his feet following a pre-season injury.

However, the former Academy product makes way for the Manchester City loanee, signifying his first appearance for Pompey.

Elsewhere, Reeco Hackett-Fairchild is rewarded for his goal-scoring outing at Millwall in the Carabao Cup with a first League One start.

Gassan Ahadme drops to the bench following successive starts, while Shaun Williams again continues after recovering from a back issue.

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Recent recruit Morrell is among the substitutes, with the bench also welcoming the return of Ellis Harrison after Covid.

Yet Louis Thompson is not involved after his signing in the week.

Pompey: Bazunu, Freeman, Raggett, Robertson, Brown, Williams, Tunnicliffe, Hackett-Fairchild, Curtis, Harness, Marquis.

Subs: Bass, Ahadme, Hirst, Ogilvie, Jacobs, Harrison, Morrell.

Related topics:Joe MorrellDanny CowleyPortsmouthReeco Hackett-FairchildMillwall

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