Portsmouth boss addresses Fratton Park boos after Colby Bishop and Marko Milovanovic decision

John Mousinho has stressed Marko Milovanovic’s withdrawal against Derby County was fitness related amid boos after his substitution.

And the head coach hopes there’s an ‘understanding’ from supporters regarding the decision.

The €5m capture was handed his full Fratton Park debut on Tuesday evening, replacing Bishop in the starting line-up amid four changes from Saturday’s defeat to Bristol City.

Although Pompey suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Rams, Marezi proved a real threat in a promising first-half showing.

But with the Blues searching for a way back into the contest, the 23-year-old was withdrawn on 65 minutes and replaced by Bishop, with the decision met by a ring of boos by some members of the Fratton faithful.

And Mousinho has explained the decision was enforced, with the striker forced off with cramp.

Addressing the boos after the defeat, the head coach told The News: ‘Marko was only ever set to play 60 minutes.

‘He’s built himself up over the past few weeks but was cramping after 55 minutes. We could’ve kept him on but he wouldn’t have been able to move and probably would’ve been injured for the weekend. So that was the decision I made.

‘I think we’ve been fairly open and honest and clear with where he was physically. There would’ve been absolutely no way I would’ve taken him off because he was really good, had he not had that issue physically.

‘I hope there’s a bit of understanding around that. I’m not going to all of a sudden drag him off after that performance.

‘Obviously, it’s a reaction to that and not Colby coming on.’

Milovanovic was handed his full Fratton Park bow after impressing during a substitute showing against Bristol City on Saturday.

The striker opened his account, converting a penalty from the spot and was subsequently named in the starting line-up to face Derby on Tuesday.

Although the Blues suffered a frustrating defeat, Marezi looked promising with a couple of opportunities in a frenetic first half.

His link-up play and runs in behind also went unnoticed by Mousinho and supporters, with the Serbian causing the Rams some issues.

And the head coach was impressed by the multi-million pound man’s display.

‘I thought he was really lively and a real threat.

‘He held the ball up really well, a little bit unlucky with a couple of chances and half-chances he had, that shot on the break in the first half.

‘I think he’ll keep growing into a stature to play up front and I thought it was a really promising full debut for him.’

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