'There’s so many silly conspiracy theories' - Portsmouth 'bust-up' between manager and defender scoffed at - AGAIN

Blues boss John Mousinho scoffed at the social media rumours last month, after certain sections of the Fratton faithful theorised that a bust-up was the real reason behind the defender’s non-appearance since the goalless draw with Luton on August 17.

Shaughnessy himself has also dismissed the gossip, with the Irishman’s calf injury now expected to keep him out until the beginning of December.

Now The News’ chief sports writer, Neil Allen, has ridiculed the tittle-tattle as he hoped to bring an end to the matter once and for all.

Speaking on the latest episode of Pompey Talk, which is available to watch on Freeview 262, Allen said the centre-back was legitimately injured - and that was something which was frustrating everyone associated with the first team.

He said: ‘It’s a strange one because there’s so many silly conspiracy theories.

‘Even yesterday I was reading “What’s the truth behind it? It’s about time the press asked”. Well, we ask him (Mousinho) about it every week. He is injured, he is legitimately injured.

‘Have they had a bust-up? They have both denied it. Perhaps they have, perhaps they haven’t - but it’s irrelevant, it’s not nothing to do with Shaughnessy not being around. Shaughnessy is injured. He has been injured and that is the thing to focus on here.

‘It’s immensely frustrating for everyone concerned because he’s a popular player, an excellent player. We’ve not seen enough of him so far this season, like Yengi, but he should certainly be able to cope at this level. He’s played at this level before. So, yeah, it’s a pain!’

Shaughnessy, whose goal against Barnsley last April helped Pompey clinch the League One title, has featured just twice this season because of his ongoing calf issues.

He was named in the Blues’ starting XI for the game against Sheffield United on September 28, but was unable to take the field after injuring himself in the pre-match warm-up.

Speaking after West Brom’s visit to Fratton Park two weeks prior, Mousinho laughed off suggestions of a breakdown in their relationship. He joked: ‘Yes, we had a massive fight - a massive one!

‘Seriously, it’s a load of nonsense. There’s no bust-up and I get on really well with Shaughs.

‘Even after the bust-up I still quite like him! So we’re just waiting for him to get back and everyone will soon see there’s nothing in that at all.’