Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has clarified the situation around summer signing Eoin Kenny's limited first-team involvement this season. The 20-year-old Northern Ireland Under-21 international, who arrived from Dundalk, has made just one appearance for the Championship side so far.
Mousinho's comments were reported by portsmouth.co.uk this week as his team prepares for their next fixture. Portsmouth currently sit 17th in the Championship with six points from five games, having scored seven goals but conceded eight. Their recent form reads WLLWL, and they face a tough away trip to seventh-placed Charlton on September 12.
Why has Eoin Kenny played so little?
Kenny's sole appearance came as a 30-minute substitute on the opening day of the season. Since then, despite being named in every match-day squad, the young midfielder has remained an unused substitute. Mousinho was quick to stress that Kenny's absence is not due to any failing on the player's part. "Eoin's in around every squad and he's just slightly unlucky to not make some," the manager explained. He added that the player has trained well and done nothing wrong to warrant exclusion.
There has been no discussion about sending Kenny out on loan, according to Mousinho. The head coach values his presence within the group, stating plainly, "I love having him around." Kenny's situation is not affecting squad numbers, and he remains very much part of the long-term planning at Fratton Park. Fans can track the progress of all squad members on the club's official squad page.
How does Brooke-Smith fit into the picture?
Another young player handle his first months at Portsmouth is 18-year-old left winger Brooke-Smith. He joined from Wellington Phoenix three weeks after Kenny's arrival and has already made four appearances across all competitions. That includes a Championship start against QPR. However, he was left out of the squad entirely for last Saturday's match.
Mousinho described Brooke-Smith as a development project, noting the significant adjustment required from the A-League to the Championship. "He's only just turned 18," Mousinho said, acknowledging the challenge. The manager did highlight a positive impact from the winger in the match against Derby County, suggesting his time will come with patience and continued adaptation.
What is Portsmouth's current injury situation?
The manager's squad decisions are further complicated by a significant injury list. As of September 10, six first-team players are currently sidelined: Connor Ogilvie, Franco Umeh, Jacob Farrell, Josh Murphy, Keshi Anderson, and Márk Kosznovszky. This has tested the depth of the squad early in the campaign. Supporters can check the latest availability updates on the club's injuries page for the most current information.
These absences make the contributions of every fit player, including those on the fringes like Kenny and Brooke-Smith, even more important. The team's league position, five points behind early leaders West Ham, indicates there is work to do. The upcoming match at The Valley represents an opportunity to build momentum.
What's next for Portsmouth's young signings?
For Eoin Kenny, the immediate path involves continued hard work in training and readiness for when his chance arrives. His international pedigree with Northern Ireland's U21s suggests he has the quality to contribute at Championship level. The physical and tactical demands of the English second tier are a step up from the League of Ireland, and time is needed for acclimatisation.
Brooke-Smith faces a similar period of adjustment. His early exposure to first-team football, including a start, shows the coaching staff's willingness to integrate him. His development will be managed carefully, with the understanding that consistency at this level is a big ask for a teenager new to the country and its football.
Portsmouth's schedule does not let up, with the trip to Charlton followed by further Championship commitments. The full run of upcoming matches is available on the fixtures page. John Mousinho will need all members of his squad as they look to climb the standings from their current 17th-place position. The next opportunity for Eoin Kenny to add to his single 30-minute cameo comes at The Valley on September 12.
