'They need to play': Frustrated Portsmouth boss prepared to tear up loans for Bradford and Reading pair
The central-defensive duo have made just one League One appearance between them since leaving Fratton Park on loan
Pompey will scrap Hayden Matthews and Josh Knight’s League One loans if they continue to be starved of games.
That’s the message from John Mousinho, with the Blues having the option to recall the defensive pair from their respective clubs in January.
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Matthews has yet to be named in a league squad for Bradford, whose outstanding defensive strength is reflected by having conceded just eight times in 13 League One fixtures so far this term.
As for Knight, his start against Plymouth on Saturday was only a second outing of the season for Reading - and his first in the league.
The pair both departed Fratton Park late in the transfer window on season-long loans, yet can be recalled in January at the half-way point.
And Mousinho intends to activate that clause should their situations not improve.
‘We’ll see what happens - they need to play’
He told The News: ‘I would love them to be playing on loan. You take Hayden, Bradford have an absolutely ridiculous defensive record and I’m not entirely sure whether they can make the change there because they are so good.
‘He has played in the EFL Trophy and did very well, beating Rotherham 4-0, but getting into that league side is going to be difficult.
‘You've got a side flying around the top of League One, in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a regular back three. That’s a tough job for Hayden.
‘Reading aren’t quite as solid as Bradford defensively, but they are flying in the league as well.
‘There’s plenty of time in the season, plenty of time for things to change, we just have to be patient with both of them and see where we are in January.
‘There are recall options. If they are not getting minutes, I’m sure the players will want to go and look elsewhere. It will be a good experience for them anyway.
‘That’s sometimes what happens. Hayden is an unbelievable example, he’s gone out on loan with every intention to play, but unfortunately Bradford’s record is one of the best in the country. We’ll see what happens - they need to play.’
Quarter-final trip to Manchester City
All three of Matthews’ Bradford appearances have come as starts in cup competitions.
Although he was unused off the bench in last week’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Peterborough, which clinched a quarter-final clash with Manchester City.
Knight last month made his Reading debut in a 13-minute cameo off the bench against Chelsea Under-21s in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy.
He was subsequently named as an unused substitute in the Royals’ next three Championship matches, before starting Saturday’s goalless draw with Plymouth.
Leam Richardson’s side are presently sixth in the League One and Bradford seventh, with the teams separated by goal difference.
‘Hayden needs games to develop his own game’
Mousinho added: ‘Hayden needs games to develop his own game, that run of matches is important for him, so we're hopeful.
‘There’ll be nothing better for us than if he’s actually in that Bradford side, doing well every week, learning from a very, very good defensive unit. Hopefully his chance comes.
‘Knighty maybe less so at the other end of the spectrum in terms of that development. However, he needs games off the back of the injury he’s had - and the fact we didn't think he’d get them here.’
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