Portsmouth confident of keeping 'brilliant' ex-Arsenal and Plymouth keeper beyond impressive Luton loan spell

The Blues have made it abundantly clear they wish to keep the Luton stopper beyond the end of his scheduled loan.

John Mousinho’s first Pompey signing has been hugely impressive after rescued from back-up service at Kenilworth Road and subsequently handed regular first-team football.

The Hatters are overloaded with goalkeepers at present, with loanee Evan Horvath, James Shea and January recruit Jack Walton, while Harry Isted is on loan at Barnsley.

It casts doubt over the future of Macey, who arrived at the Championship club in June 2022 from Hibernian on a two-year deal.

And sporting director Rich Hughes believes the Blues have every chance of securing the 28-year-old permanently.

He told The News: ‘Matt has been brilliant for us and we would certainly like to hope we can keep him.

‘Obviously there’s the factor that he’s Luton’s player, which we completely respect, and they have their own challenges at the minute in terms of competing to get into the Premier League, which is a great battle for Rob (Edwards) and all the staff there.

‘We have our views internally, we really like Matt, he’s a great addition to the group – and then Matt has to make a decision.

‘He must decide where he wants to play his football and, moving forward, we hope it’s with us.

‘Hopefully there’s a resolution to it, but we’ll have to wait until it probably reaches a natural point towards the end of the season because we are still in mid-March.

‘Fingers crossed we’re able to find a solution that keeps Matt at this football club.’

Macey has kept six clean sheets in 12 Pompey appearances ahead of Saturday’s visit of Port Vale to Fratton Park.

Some supporters initially questioned his signing ahead of making his debut, yet the ex-Arsenal youngster has swiftly won the doubters around.

Certainly Macey has proven an astute capture as replacement for Josh Griffiths following his West Brom recall, albeit on loan.

Hughes added: One of the really pleasing things with Matt is everyone who have crossed paths with him at various points, in terms of previous coaches, all send their best to him.

‘They hold him in high regard and that speaks volumes to the type of character he is and also, as a goalkeeper, he has been excellent for us.

‘He’s had lots of good moments, made some really good saves, and been a calming presence to the team, the squad and the back line in games.

‘I’m absolutely delighted with how Matt’s done since he came into the building and he seems to have slotted right into the group.’