John Mousinho addresses Portsmouth's January transfer plans for Jacob Farrell - and clarifies key factors
The Australian has made just two appearances in his 18 months at Fratton Park
Pompey are targeting finding Jacob Farrell a loan club this January.
Although John Mousinho is adamant the Australian will only be allowed to leave at the end of the transfer window - and if playing numbers allow.
The defender has returned to Pompey’s match-day squad for the last three games after recovering from the groin injury which has blighted his season.
However, with just two appearances during his 18-month stay at Fratton Park to date, the 23-year-old desperately needs regular first-team football, a factor which is acknowledged by Mousinho.
And, having seen a proposed switch to Central Coast Mariners collapse this month, Pompey remain keen to find another loan taker for Farrell.
‘For Jacob’s sake we’re trying to get him games’
Mousinho told The News: ‘It’s not in our consideration right now. If we are in a different position in 10 days’ time and we think that’s the right thing to do, then he might be.
‘For Jacob’s sake we’re trying to get him games, just not at the minute. He was very, very close to coming on at the weekend (at Sheffield Wednesday).
‘If we have the numbers in the building, if we are happy in that left-back position, then a loan would be a consideration.
‘Even if he stayed, I think Faz would progress internally, I also think he would progress externally as well. The biggest thing for him is fitness, he hasn’t been fit for 18 months.
‘That has been the biggest stumbling block and, ultimately, when you've not been fit for that long, you want to come back and play games.’
Portsmouth now have options at left-back
Connor Ogilvie’s recent return to fitness, Zak Swanson’s impressive displays as a stand-in and Farrell’s comeback, means the Blues finally now have options in the left-back position.
Ogilvie has immediately been restored as first-choice following a two-month injury lay-off, starting there in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.
While the right-footed Swanson has been a regular in the role during Ogilvie’s absence, including dropping back in there from the centre of midfield when the former Gillingham man went off in the second half at Hillsborough.
Encouragingly, however, Farrell is now back training regularly for the Blues, following an injury-ravaged stay since his July 2024 arrival from Central Coast Mariners.
Yet he hasn’t been used off the bench in the three matches since returning on New Year’s Day at Bristol City and, essentially, is now Pompey’s third choice for the left-back position.
‘That’s a real positive’
Certainly the situation has changed dramatically since the end of December, with both Ogilvie and Farrell sidelined by injury and Mousinho forced to utilise right-backs Swanson and Jordan Williams in the role.
Mousinho added: ‘First and foremost, Faz is back involved in training sessions, which he’s had now for the past 2-3 weeks.
‘That’s a real positive because he just couldn't string together back-to-back training sessions with the pain he was having in his groin, so that was the most important thing for us.
‘He’s now in a position where we can name him in a matchday squad and consider bringing him on.’