Tyrese Shade could start as Portsmouth's centre-forward against Blackburn Rovers this Saturday. Head coach John Mousinho described the selection as a 'big call', with regular striker Colby Bishop having scored only three times in his last 50 Championship appearances and Marko Milovanovic nursing a calf injury.
Mousinho confirmed the 26-year-old Shade, a £1.8 million summer signing from Burton Albion, is in contention for the role. "They are very, very different centre-forwards," the manager said. Shade has featured on the left wing in recent draws against Cardiff and Charlton but has a pedigree of 28 goals over the past two seasons playing centrally.
Injury and form prompt change
Milovanovic's fitness is a concern, with the club rating him only 50% likely to be available. There is a thought to rest him over the upcoming three-week international break to ensure he is ready for the South Coast derby against Southampton on 11 October. This situation, combined with Bishop's lean spell, opens the door for Shade. The former Eastleigh player admitted he has not played regularly on the wing for a long time but said he is willing to play anywhere to help the team.
Portsmouth go into the match sitting 18th in the Championship with seven points from six games. Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins, a draw and two losses in their last five outings. The squad is also dealing with a lengthy injuries list that includes Connor Ogilvie, Josh Murphy and Keshi Anderson. Mousinho emphasised the competition for places, stating, "Every single position is a big call, whether we win, lose or draw."
The last meeting between these sides ended in a 1-1 draw back in March. Fans can check the full fixtures schedule for the season ahead. Portsmouth host Blackburn at Fratton Park on Saturday, 19 September.
The original report is at portsmouth.co.uk
