Haji Mnoga's lack of recent Portsmouth chances addressed by chief

Haji Mnoga's explosive attacking qualities are something Pompey may look to use in the business end of their League One promotion push.
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The fledgling defender has enjoyed a fine maiden professional season since coming through the youth ranks at Fratton Park.

Mnoga's firmly been part of Kenny Jackett's squad since the summer.

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After playing four times in the EFL Trophy during his time in the Blues' academy, he's made both his Football League and FA Cup debut this season.

However, it's been more than two months since Mnoga was last handed an appearance. That arrived in a 3-0 win at Cheltenham in the EFL Trophy where he scored his first senior goal.

The England youth international has been behind Callum Johnson in the right-back pecking order for the entire campaign.

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As a result, Mnoga’s either been forced to serve as a substitute or confined to the role of 19th man.

Haji Mnoga. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.comHaji Mnoga. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com
Haji Mnoga. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com

However, aged just 18, Kenny Jackett believes it’s still a great position for the youngster to be in.

And the Pompey boss won't hesitate to use Mnoga if he feels his powerful forays can yield a victory in certain games.

Speaking before his absence to undergo an operation to remove a mole from his forearm, Jackett said: ‘Callum Johnson has been very consistent at right-back and we have options as James Bolton is experienced.

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‘I do think that Haji is quite explosive from full-back and that is an option that we may need to use at some stage.

League Division 1 - Portsmouth vs Crewe Alexandra - 21/11/2020
Portsmouth's Haji MnogaLeague Division 1 - Portsmouth vs Crewe Alexandra - 21/11/2020
Portsmouth's Haji Mnoga
League Division 1 - Portsmouth vs Crewe Alexandra - 21/11/2020 Portsmouth's Haji Mnoga

‘Our full-backs being able to come out and make the play has been very good.

‘When we talk about creating chances, going forward and scoring goals then full-backs play their part as well as the creative midfield players and strikers.

‘For Haji, I do think he has got that ability. At 18, he needs to keep working hard, progressing and pushing for a first-team place.

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‘At the moment, he's been a substitute or one step from it was 19th man. That is a good position to be in at his age.’

Pompey have been working with Mnoga to improve the technical side of his game when in possession.

Jackett reckons the former Trafalgar School pupil has improved leaps and bounds training with seasoned pros on a daily basis.

Now his next challenge is to become a regular at his hometown club.

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‘Haji is a really good player and he definitely has improved,’ added Jackett.

‘He has improved the technical side of his game since he has been up with us.

‘Haji does continue to get generally stronger, which is a real, big asset for him.

‘In the youth team, he played right-back and centre-back, while they play three centre-backs at times which is half and half.

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‘Even at right centre-back these days, if you have distribution then it does help.

‘From our point of view, we have been pleased with his progress and is pushing the first-team players. In his position at his age, that's a good place to be.’

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