Former Charlton and West Ham midfielder ready for next step at Portsmouth after standout showing against Cardiff

Danny Cowley is ready to unleash Jay Mingi from his shackles.
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The Blues boss believes the midfielder is ready to make the step up to regular first-team football after an impressive display against Cardiff in the Carabao on Tuesday.

The 3-0 victory in Wales saw the youngster handed his first Pompey start alongside Marlon Pack in the centre of the park.

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And he didn’t let anyone down, with 21-year-old producing a strong performance both defensively and going forward.

Now, after a solid pre-season as well, Cowley believes Mingi is finally ready to compete for a place in the staring XI of his League One side.

When asked if was contemplating a promotion for the former West Ham and Charlton youngster, the head coach told The News: ‘I have done for a while, if I’m honest.

‘He had loads of game time in the backend of last season, he’s come back in pre-season and has trained consistently and I feel he’s in a real good moment.

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‘Sometimes you see in some young players that they’re improving right in front of your eyes and every day you can see him getting better and better.

Danny Cowley admits Jay Mingi is ready to make the step up to become a first-team regular at Pompey.Danny Cowley admits Jay Mingi is ready to make the step up to become a first-team regular at Pompey.
Danny Cowley admits Jay Mingi is ready to make the step up to become a first-team regular at Pompey.

‘When young players have that confidence and momentum it can be really powerful.

‘I’ve never seen it as a headache when players are playing well and I only worry when I don’t have selection problems.

‘Too often last year, we didn’t have enough competition and now we’re improving in that area and we have more depth and I think that was shown on Tuesday really.’

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Mingi had an extra 12 months triggered on his previous deal at the end of last season, keeping him at Fratton Park until next summer.

The Blues boss admits he’s been thinking heavily about giving the midfielder an improved contract to remain at PO4 beyond the current campaign.

‘It’s definitely in my mind (offering Mingi a new contract).

‘The challenge for him at the backend of last season was to try to earn a new contract before the summer was out and certainly he’s stepped up to that.’