‘A reason we’ve stuck with him’: Why Portsmouth boss has kept faith in match-winner Thomas Waddingham as striker buries injury pain
The Pompey boss lauds a big moment for the Brisbane Roar signing, after his late Millwall heroics following Fratton injury woe.
John Mousinho has outlined the qualities which has seen him keep faith in Thomas Waddingham as he became Pompey’s Millwall match-winner.
The Blues boss lauded the striker’s ‘poacher’ qualities, as the Aussie put his injury pain to bed to score the decisive goal in the 2-1 win over the Lions.
Mousinho on Waddingham: ‘He’s an absolute poacher in the box’
Waddingham returned from two-and-a-half months out after ankle surgery to grab an 82nd-minute winner at a rain-drenched Fratton Park.
The 21-year-old has endured a torrid time since arriving from Brisbane Roar at the beginning of last year, with last season decimated by a quad issue.
But Mousinho is confident the striker can show the killer instinct he believes he possesses in front of goal, as he bolstered Pompey’s attacking options.
Mousinho said: ‘I’m delighted for Wadds, he’s had a tough spell here so far as a Portsmouth player.
‘He came on for his debut against West Brom and scored, was looking good and then got injured when he started at Coventry.
‘Last year he just couldn’t get himself fit which was frustrating because, if he did I think he’ll score a lot of goals.
‘The most recent one was a bad tackle at West Ham where he did his ankle ligaments, so to show that resolve and come back from that is brilliant.
‘Whether he meant to score or not I don’t know! But he’s got himself in the right place at the right time and got his reward.
‘The fans would’ve seen him in pre-season games over the past couple of years and seen goals and goal threat from Wadds. It’s one thing he does really well, he’s an absolute poacher in the box.
‘There’s a reason we’ve stuck with him and there’s a reason why he’s got his chance today.’
Mousinho feels it’s not just Waddingham’s finishing qualities which make him an asset to his squad, with his movement, physicality and touch all weapons in his armoury.
The Pompey boss sees improvements that can be made to make the man who’s made 14 Blues appearances a bigger Championship threat.
Mousinho added: ‘He’s a big lad, Wadds. He’s physical and he’s quick with a good touch. He can play.
‘I think he can be better with his back to goal as he goes up against top centre-halves at the level.
‘I think he needs to keep learning about how to use that physicality against centre-halves - when to link play and when to back in. The one thing you get from Wadds time and again is he will arrive in the middle of the box at the right time - and his finishing is good.’