John Mousinho has a selection dilemma ahead of him as Pompey take on Reading at Fratton Park on Saturday.
The Blues are coming off five wins in six matches, scoring 12 goals. With a six-point gap at the top of the table, there’s a genuine belief that Pompey could end their Championship exodus.
Pompey’s most recent win over Cambridge United wasn’t their most convincing of the season, but three moments of quality that saw Mousinho’s side over the line.
Australian striker Kusini Yengi was given the nod over top-scorer Colby Bishop, who was rested. It was an exciting performance from the 25-year-old, who won and scored a penalty before playing a crucial role in Myles Peart-Harris’ second-half strike.
The Aussie has put in some eye-catching performances, which could leave Mousinho with a decision to make.
“He scored, was a real threat – and he’s always been a threat whenever we have seen him play,” Mousinho told the Portsmouth News.
“We’ve given Colby a rest and it’s a really nice option for us to have. One of the things we try hard with the lads is getting over that no one has been dropped, we rotate players, we rest players.”
Mousinho shares what his bench did during Portsmouth’s 3-1 win over Cambridge United
Furthermore, the Pompey boss insisted the likes of Bishop were happy for the likes of Yengi despite the Aussie taking his spot in the starting XI.
“But all I heard when we scored our goals was the enthusiasm of the bench behind me, Colby included. I was really, really pleased with that,” he added.
“Kas was really lively from the start; he caused the two centre-half problems, he won the penalty, put it into the back of the net and was instrumental in the second goal.
“He made things happen. I thought he led the line really well, and I’m really pleased with his performance.”
With Reading and Charlton to come, Pompey will be hoping to continue their excellent recent form and put themselves in a strong position before tough-looking away fixtures against Peterborough and Blackpool.