Portsmouth’s hopes of signing Harry Souttar from Stoke City have been dashed after comments made by Michael O’Neill.
Kenny Jackett’s disappointment at not gaining promotion last term could have seen him make some significant transfer moves this summer.
However, few arrivals have come in to Fratton Park with just Callum Johnson, Sean Raggett, Cameron Pring and Michael Jacobs signing on the dotted line.
An opening day draw with Shrewsbury Town was followed by an EFL Cup second round defeat to Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion, and the pressure is now firmly on Jackett to improve things.
With the transfer window open until October 16, deals could still happen. However, it looks like a move for Souttar may not materialise after his performance for Stoke against Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek.
Pompey showed interest earlier in the summer but he could well remain at the Bet365 stadium after being lavished with praise for his display in the 1-0 win against Wolves in the Carabao Cup.
The former Northern Ireland manager told the Potters website (via Portsmouth News): ‘It was a great result, a very good and disciplined performance and great to win.
‘We had a lot of younger players start the game and a lot of younger players coming into the game. I’m delighted with the contribution they made and the contribution the senior players made.
‘Right through the team, we did very well. I’m particularly pleased with the centre-backs (Nathan) Collins and Souttar, while (Josh) Tymon and (Tashan) Oakley-Boothe were excellent in midfield as well.
‘It’s imperative we get them playing, it’s as simple as that. I think, for too long, the younger players have been away from the starting XI – the likes of Josh Tymon, Tyrese (Campbell), Souttar and Collins have been at the club a while now.
‘When your numbers are high, sometimes it’s difficult to give young players an opportunity. We weren’t in a great situation last season to blood young players in when I came in.
‘But I’ve said repeatedly we’d like to see the young players push to start games and they’ve given me a lot to think about.’
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Souttar opted to represent Australia at international level and has made a total of two appearances in which he has found the back of the net four times.
Another player Portsmouth have potentially missed out on.
Jackett’s transfer business this summer has hardly got tongues wagging at Fratton Park and with a lacklustre start to the season which has seen them fail to find the back of the net in their last two games, pressure is on to bring in some new faces before the window closes.
Do you think Harry Souttar will be a good signing for Portsmouth? Let us know in the comments section below…
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