Danny Cowley's Portsmouth prediction for ex-Charlton man and former Wrexham target after sensational Football League entrance

With Marlon Pack suspended and Joe Morrell (sore back) joining Tom Lowery and Louis Thompson in the treatment room, the Blues turned to Mingi and Ryan Tunnicliffe in the centre of midfield at Forest Green Rovers.

It represented a first League One start for Mingi on the occasion of his 22nd birthday.

Recruited on a free transfer from Charlton in September 2021, his progression has been impressive, totalling 17 appearances.

And he capped his full league debut with a man-of the-match showing in Saturday’s 1-0 success.

Cowley told The News: ‘I thought Jay was brilliant, he played with athleticism, he played with a power, he has this ability to turn defence into attack.

‘He has this ability to see the space and drive into it, the first half, particularly, he had a really good place in the game.

‘He tired in the second half and suffered at the end, coming off with cramp, we didn’t want to lose him at an important time.

‘The next challenge for him now is to put a 90-minute performance together – but absolutely he is ready (to compete for a regular first-team spot).

‘I’m so pleased with him, on his birthday as well, to make your first league start and to play as well as he did is impressive.

‘There’s a big difference between coming on in games and starting from the beginning, a big difference, and I thought Jay did great.

‘He’s different, the work against the ball, he’s snappy in the tackle, he’s aggressive, he’s good on seconds and almost has the profile of a six against the ball, but offensively can almost be an eight when he turns defence into attack and speeds your play up.

‘Jay’s working hard, improving by the day, he is training with consistency, he is living well, he’s making the necessary sacrifices, living with discipline.

‘These are all the things that people don’t see, but are really important if you are going to perform consistently.’

Mingi had previously made 12 substitute appearances in League One for the Blues.

While last season he enjoyed a successful loan spell at Maidenhead and attracted a January transfer bid from Wrexham.

Cowley added: ‘We love working with the young players, there is no better reward in our roles as coaches when you see the young player improving on a daily basis.

‘Of course it's about winning, and we love to win, but it’s also about a team of young players developing and improving – and the fact he is our own, makes it even better.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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