January recall update emerges over highly-rated Portsmouth talent as stock grows

Toby Steward is expected to see out his season-long loan away from Fratton Park with St Johnstone.

That’s according to Courier Sport, who have revealed Pompey’s recall date in the window has passed, meaning he will see out the remainder of his stint with the Scottish Championship leaders.

It’s been a hugely-successful stay at McDiarmid Park for the 20-year-old, who has flourished north of the border.

Steward’s stock has been on the rise throughout the season, having kept 14 clean sheets in 28 appearances for the Saints this term.

Indeed, the Fratton Park academy product hit the headlines early into his stay, producing late heroics with a triple save in St Johnstone’s Championship contest against Dunfermline in September.

Since then, the Pompey stopper has been showered with praise, with Simo Valakari’s men currently topping the Scottish second tier.

Pompey talent to remain in Scotland for season

It has now been confirmed from reports in Scotland that Steward will now see out the remaining months of his loan deal with the Saints as they bid for a return to the Scottish Premiership.

The Blues, of course, opted against triggering a loan recall in the keeper’s season-long deal, and are pleased with the young talent’s progression, with John Mousinho also well-stocked in the goalkeeping department.

Nicolas Schmid recently penned a new long-term deal on the south coast after establishing himself as Pompey’s number one.

Meanwhile, Josef Bursik enjoyed a spell in the side during the Austrian’s injury absence earlier in the campaign, while Ben Killip has dropped down the pecking order.

The Blues are also be looking to move on Jordan Archer in the window, having been left out of their 25-man EFL squad at the start of the campaign.

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Toby Steward’s time in Scotland so far

After impressing on an emergency loan with Crawley Town at the end of last term, Steward penned a season-long deal at McDiarmid Park in July.

Since then, the shot-stopper has been in regular contact with Pompey’s goalkeeping coach Joe Prodomo, who is said to be pleased with the young talent’s time in Scotland.

The academy product recently revealed how he keeps in touch with the coach on a consistent basis and made clear of his intent to see out the final months of his loan stint with the Saints.

‘I was told in the summer I’d be here for the whole season. And that hasn’t changed.

‘I speak to the goalkeeper coach at Portsmouth all the time – they’re happy with how it’s going. Like everyone here, I have a job to do, and I want to see it through.

‘I want to be successful with this team and hopefully end it with a medal.

‘We spoke at the start of the season about the plan for me and this was it. I want to be playing games, and they want me to be playing games.

‘Portsmouth have planned my progress well. It will be down to me in the end, but the hope is to one day become the number one there.

‘Obviously, for that to happen you have to be patient and build up enough experience, so we’ll see what happens.’

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