Portsmouth fans all say same thing about former Liverpool youngster Harvey Blair as he makes first start since May v QPR
Harvey Blair starts for Pompey against QPR today for the first time in more than seven months
Pompey fans on social media have been reacting to John Mousinho’ starting XI for the Blues’ Boxing Day game against QPR at Fratton Park.
And there’s a common theme among the responses posted on X, following the team’s announcement.
Josh Murphy’s absence through injury means former Liverpool youngster Harvey Blair has been handed his first start since the final day of last season - and just his fourth for the Blues following his move from Anfield in the summer of 2024.
Also, today’s game against the R’s is just the 22-year-old’s fifth appearance of the campaign, following a hamstring problem picked up in the last-game-of-the season meeting with Hull on May 3.
Given Murphy’s importance to Mousinho’s side, the pressure will be on Blair to finally convince the Fratton faithful of his talent, following nearly 18 months of frustration on the south coast.
And that’s exactly what fans have been saying ahead of a game as they look for the Blues to continue their current two-match unbeaten run without their main attacking threat.
Here’s what been said as the countdown to kick-off approaches.
@pfclowey: Time to shine, Blair. Was expecting Yang to come in instead but huge opportunity for Blair today.
@jakemeyers2015: Can't be too upset with that, other than the obvious loss of Murphy. Big game for Blair, hope we see more of the player we started to see at the backend of last season.
@Pompeyboyblues: Harvey Blair time to shine.
@HancockAnalysis: Blair over Yang is interesting, but a brilliant opportunity for Harvey that I can support.
Bench is far more balanced which I like, sticking with Kosz is great! No Murphy is terrifying, to date we literally have not been able to attack without him. Step-up, be counted.
@f1ootballer44: Let’s get behind Harvey, he’s definitely got something.
@PORTSMOUTHFCLEE: Blair starts. No more excuses needs to kick on now.
@H21HLH: Judgement day for Blair.
@Critchpot: Blair masterclass pending.
@RobDean72452428: Tis the Blair season.
For your next Pompey read: Pompey v QPR: Live updates from Fratton Park