Exciting Portsmouth youngster backed to push for regular starting spot

That’s the verdict of Robbie Blake, who's been highly impressed with the youngster’s Blues progress.

Mnoga is held in high regard at Fratton Park and was rewarded with his maiden professional contract in December.

In total, the defender has made four appearances for Kenny Jackett's side following his debut in a Checkatrade Trophy win at Crawley last season.

The Southsea lad started this campaign on loan at non-league Bognor, featuring once before suffering a freak toe injury on his way to Victorious Festival in August.

Despite making an error that lead to a goal in the Rocks’ 3-1 loss at Bishop's Stortford, first-team coach Blake could see Mnoga's burgeoning talent.

Now the ex-Burnley and Leeds forward believes the 17-year-old can thrust himself into Jackett’s first-team plans next term.

Blake said: ‘We had Haji over and he is going to be such a great player.

‘It was a really good learning curve for him, even though he only played one game. He made a pass into midfield when it wasn't on which they scored from.

‘After that, he was excellent. I said to him after the game “these are the games you learn from. You're not playing in the academy anymore because even at this level they'll punish you”.

‘I know Portsmouth speak very highly of him and rate him very highly – and rightly so.

‘We tried on numerous occasions to get him for longer and play a full season of men’s football but I could understand Kenny's reluctance.

‘There is a fine player there and Kenny will feel Haji is in and around his squad. That's great for him and Portsmouth, with yet another home-grown talent coming through.

‘He is a fine player and has all the attributes at his age. He’s quick, strong, can play and likes a tackle so there's no reason why he can’t go on and have a really good career.'

Mnoga – who has represented England at under-17 level – is contracted at Pompey until 2021, with the club holding an option for a further year.

And the former Trafalgar School pupil has been backed to keep improving.

Blake added: ‘He is going to grow, get stronger and quicker.

‘The thing about Haji is he’s only going to get better and that is a bonus for Portsmouth going forward.

‘You don't have to rush Haj because he's still only 17 and Kenny is looking after him really well in that respect.

‘The difference is Haji is probably good enough for the first team right now. It's a case of getting him the game time and giving it to him because he will flourish.’