"We expect" - Portsmouth boss drops claim on chances of Middlesbrough player return | OneFootball

Sam Silvera is currently on loan at Portsmouth from Middlesbrough

John Mousinho has confirmed that he expects Middlesbrough loanee Sam Silvera to remain at Portsmouth for the whole season.

The 24-year-old made the switch to Fratton Park on a temporary basis during the summer following Pompey’s promotion from League One.

However, he has made just 10 league appearances, including only four starts, with the team struggling for form back in the Championship.

It has been reported by The News that Portsmouth reportedly don’t have an option to terminate his loan deal in January, but Middlesbrough could recall the player in the new year.

John Mousinho opens up on Silvera’s Portsmouth future

Mousinho has confirmed that Silver is set to remain with Portsmouth for the whole league campaign.

He has issued a challenge to the Australian to up his level of consistency in order to earn his way back into the team.

“There’s no review on that, we fully intend to have all the loans we currently have in the building for the rest of the season,” said Mousinho, via The News.

“Sammy falls into that category. He’s one who’s been in and out of squads, but we expect him to compete for a spot in the squad and a spot in the starting line-up as we go forward.

“That consistency is something we want to see from Sammy.

“We’ve seen flashes where he’s probably looked like our most dangerous player without the goals and assists.

“That’s something for him to consider and work on, but the way we’re going with the press at the moment it’s something he needs to focus on.

“That’s something we’ve spoken to Sammy about so if we do call upon him we can rely on him to know what we want to do and do it with the right aggression as well.

“In and out of possession there’s plenty to work on and plenty for him to consider to push on and get in the team.”

Portsmouth are currently 24th in the Championship table ahead of their clash at home to Bristol City on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.

Portsmouth need players like Silvera to step up

Portsmouth have endured a difficult return to the Championship, with results proving hard to come by.

Mousinho needs players like Silvera to step up over the busy festive period, especially as rotation will be likely with the intense schedule.

If they are going to avoid relegation back to League One, then their loan players could prove crucial, especially the ones with Championship experience like Silvera.

It’s unlikely Boro will recall him either as he’s not someone Michael Carrick needs in the squad, so Pompey will have no choice but to make the most of his presence in the squad.