Portsmouth boss addresses surprise decision to drop big supporter favourite against Blackburn
The former Arsenal Academy defender has made 119 appearances and scored seven times for the Blues
It represented Zak Swanson’s first right-back start for Pompey in 11 months.
Now John Mousinho has explained the reasoning behind restoring the versatile performer to his natural position on Saturday - and why Terry Devlin was dropped.
It was October 2025 when Swanson lined-up against Coventry at right-back, replacing Jordan Williams for what would prove to be a 2-1 home defeat.
Subsequently Williams - and primarily Devlin - would share the role for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign, while Swanson instead switched to left-back.
However, with Devlin yet to return to the heights of last season, coupled with a hamstring issue, the former Arsenal man was named in Mousinho’s starting XI against Blackburn at the weekend.
And Swanson capped his surprise return with a goal and an impressive all-round display in the 2-2 draw.
‘He had it scanned on Friday and didn’t train’
Mousinho told The News: ‘Terry felt his hamstring a bit last week. He had it scanned on Friday and didn’t train, so we weren’t quite sure whether he would be involved or not.
‘He was okay to be on the bench and contribute in some part, but I also thought it was probably a decent-enough game to bring in Swanny.
‘He’s been right at it since he’s come out of the side and I thought he performed well. With Swanny we know exactly what we’ll get.
‘Swanny’s selection against Blackburn was probably down to a bit of both (Devlin’s form and injury). We have two brilliant right-backs there and he deserved to come back in.
‘I’m not saying Terry deserved to lose his place at all, but it probably made the decision easier when he had that injury issue.’
Terry Devlin first-choice since November 2025
Devlin has been Pompey’s first choice right-back since November 2025, when he was recalled to face Wrexham in a goalless draw.
He subsequently started 37 of the next 41 matches until the Blackburn fixture, with only suspension and a hamstring injury keeping him out of the team over that lengthy period.
Yet he has still to hit top form this term and has now joined up with Northern Ireland during the international break, facing the possibility of four Nations League games in 11 days.
In the meantime, Swanson, who arrived at Fratton Park under Danny Cowley in July 2022 and has since amassed 119 appearances and seven goals, finds himself in ownership of the right-back slot.
‘There are areas of his game where he’s getting better’
Mousinho added: ‘Swanny is very calm and composed and there are areas of his game where he’s getting better in terms of that forward momentum.
‘Early in the first half he got into the final third and put in a decent cross in. He’s creating a bit more and struck up a decent relationship with Abs and then Ryan.’