Portsmouth fringe men to get run-out for reserves against Millwall

Pompey’s fringe men will get a chance to impress Danny Cowley this afternoon.
Paul Downing. Picture: Graham HuntPaul Downing. Picture: Graham Hunt
Paul Downing. Picture: Graham Hunt

The Blues have organised a behind-closed-doors reserve match against Millwall under-23s at Gosport Borough's Privett Park.

It means Paul Downing and Haji Mnoga will get much-needed minutes under their belts.

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Cowley and brother Nicky are set to watch the game from the stands and could also be tempted to hand game-time to the likes of out-of-favour Swansea loanee George Byers and back-up keeper Lewis Ward.

In addition, youngsters including Harry Kavanagh, Alfie Stanley and Charlie Bell will feature for Mark Kelly's side.

Regular coronavirus testing in the EFL, along with the reduced number of cases across the country, mean the Blues are now able to organise reserve matches more frequently, having previously struggled. .

Today's fixture with Millwall represents just the second of the season. Pompey beat Luton under-21s 2-1 last month, with Mnoga and Ben Close netting.

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That afternoon, Pompey cast their eye over Manchester United defender Max Taylor and Chelsea midfielder Pierre Ekwah.

Former Pompey captain and coach Paul Robinson will be in the Lions dugout, having left PO4 for the Den in the summer of 2019.