Portsmouth FC Portsmouth boss addresses 'brilliant' attacker's first-team absence after low-key start since Newcastle exit By Neil Allen Chief sports writer Comment Published 17th Oct 2024, 04:55 BST Matt Ritchie appeared off the bench in Pompey's 1-1 draw with Oxford United. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages John Mousinho admits ‘brilliant’ Matt Ritchie needs to adjust to the physical requirements and pace of the Championship. Yet Pompey’s head coach insists the 35-year-old is ‘close’ to breaking into his first-team.
Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ritchie has started just one match this season, with the former Newcastle man instead largely confined to bench duty, despite being fit. Sign up to our Portsmouth FC newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues.
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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Notice and Terms of Service apply. Now in his second spell at Fratton Park, the attacker’s emotional homecoming was secured days before the campaign kicked off, thereby crucially missing out on pre-season.
Matt Ritchie appeared off the bench in Pompey's 1-1 draw with Oxford United. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages | Jason Brown.