Portsmouth boss’ striker admission with eyes on top scorer Colby Bishop’s return

And that could be a potential recruitment consideration for Pompey to weigh up when the winter transfer window opens.

The Blues are hopeful top scorer Colby Bishop will be back in the fray this season, as his rehabilitation from heart surgery continues.

Bishop’s long-term absence and Kusini Yengi’s groin problems this term prompted a move for Dane Elias Sorensen and season-long loan deal for Brighton’s Mark O’Mahony, with Christian Saydee the only other striking option.

That was viewed as a necessary transfer manoeuvre for now, but Mousinho acknowledged having five front men moving forward would be too many.

He said: ‘This summer we went from having our centre-forwards pretty much sorted, thinking that area is boxed off and we don’t need to recruit.

‘Then the injury to Kusini and what happened with Colby made us have to rethink things. It led to us bringing in Elias and Mark O’Mahony.

‘We are strong in that department and we might come to a point, if and when Colby is back, that we have one too many.

‘That’s not an issue we have at the moment, so it’s healthy competition in that department. It’s one for another day, not one for this week.’

Mousinho explained he’s looking forward to seeing Yengi test himself at Championship level, with the Aussie looking to see his season finally gain some momentum.

The recruitment view among Pompey’s football operation at the end of last season was Saydee, Bishop and Yengi covered the number nine position, before the outlook changed significantly.

Mousinho added: ‘The reason we looked at that department and were happy with Colby, Kas and Christian, was because we thought all three could make the step up to the level.

‘Colby’s not had the chance to do that. Christian has played as a nine and been very effective in certain games, but it’s probably not the position we’d like to play him because we feel playing as a 10 is his more natural position - and he was very influential there for large parts against Oxford.

‘We always thought Kas would be really suited to the Championship, with his attributes really suited to the level.

‘Unfortunately he hasn’t been able to stay fit yet, so hopefully he can stay fit, get a run and we’re looking forward to seeing him.’