Portsmouth boss issues next challenge to Haji Mnoga after a week 'everyone knew was coming'

Seven days ago, the exciting 18-year-old defender had made four appearances for the Blues – all in the EFL Trophy.

But now Mnoga’s fledgling career has taken another giant step after featuring in both the Football League and FA Cup respectively.

He came off the bench late on in Tuesday evening’s 3-1 victory at Lincoln in League One.

Then at Ipswich in the Cup on Saturday, Mnoga replaced the injured Callum Johnson on 50 minutes.

Mnoga acquitted himself excellently and helped the Blues book their spot in the second round of the historic competition with a 3-2 extra-time win.

The former Trafalgar School pupil almost notched his maiden Pompey goal at the death when he was set free but shot over.

Mnoga’s been highly rated at Fratton Park since making his first appearance as a 16-year-old at Crawley in October 2018.

He caught the eye in pre-season and it was a key factor why Jackett kept him around his first team rather than sending him out on loan.

Now Mnoga’s been challenged to develop consistency when he gets more opportunities.

Pompey boss Jackett said: ‘We feel that he has got a big future, we really do. He made his Football League debut at Lincoln but it was in injury-time.

‘It was more of a debut on Saturday where he’s had the majority of the second half and all of extra-time where he acquitted himself well.

‘It's no surprise within the club because we feel he has a lot of potential.

‘Like all young players when they show good signs at the start, he will have to develop consistency. I do feel he’s good enough to do that.

‘It's been a big week for him anyway and everyone knew that it was coming.

‘A few minutes at Lincoln then more of a chunk of the game at Ipswich.

‘He’s 18 and has a lot to learn but has a very good future if he can concentrate and keep his head down.’

Mnoga was at the centre of a melee at the full-time whistle, with Jackett saying the youngster claimed he was punched.

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