Millwall midfielder can be a key performer for Portsmouth – Lions boss in stands to watch loanee
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Kenny Jackett expects Ben Thompson to be a “mainstay” of his Portsmouth side – even if the on-loan Millwall midfielder had a period on the bench.
The Lions youngster started Saturday’s 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon. It ended a five game run of being named as a substitute for the League One leaders.
Jackett, a former Millwall manager, said: “Ben Thompson is a very good player. In some of his games he has been outstanding but in one or two others he has struggled to get to the pace of it.
“It is a learning curve when you come to a new club , especially when you have not played regular games for a while. The games come thick and fast and it can be a challenge physically. My expectation now is he settles down and just goes from strength to strength.
“I think he can be very good and a mainstay for us. He has ups and downs but has shown a terrific ability and excellent character. I think he can be a mainstay and find a higher level of consistency.”
Lions boss Neil Harris was at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on Saturday to watch Thompson.
“It was a very good performance in a comfortable team victory,” said Harris. “Ben was doing what we know Ben can do. He is gaining more experience every time he goes on a football pitch.
“It is nice when you play in a winning team, it gives you confidence and enables you to express yourself a little more.
“Ben has been a good player for us over the last three years since he broke into the first team.
“Portsmouth look a strong League One team – they are big physically, well-organised and good at set-plays. They have got some good individual players and an experienced manager in Kenny, who knows the league and how to get out of the league. They’ll be a good side.”
IMAGE BY PAUL EDWARDS
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
