Portsmouth boss addresses Conor Shaughnessy's surprise absence from defeat to Swansea
The former Leeds United defender made his return at Blackburn, but was missing from the Blues’ squad last night
John Mousinho has explained Conor Shaughnessy’s absence from Pompey’s defeat to Swansea.
And the absent Irishman is expected to be available for Monday’s visit of Derby to Fratton Park.
Shaughnessy announced his welcome Blues return by featuring as a substitute in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Blackburn, following a nine-game injury lay-off.
Replacing the injured Regan Poole in the 67th minute at Ewood Park, it was an encouraging sight to see the classy centre-half in action again.
However, despite Poole missing from last night’s 2-1 defeat to Swansea, Shaughnessy wasn’t included in Mousinho’s 20-man squad.
And the head coach has lifted the lid on the reason behind the 29-year-old’s exclusion.
‘We weren’t going to risk him’
Mousinho told The News: ‘He’s fine, Shocks was just feeling sore after the weekend so it was one we weren’t going to risk. He will be fine for Monday too.
‘There was no point. We could have rolled him out, but, with the way he was feeling after the Blackburn game having played 23 minutes and the injury issues he’s had, we want to protect him.
‘He probably cannot play three games in a week for the rest of the season, but he will be fine for Derby.’
With Poole having failed a late fitness test on his ankle injury, Madiodio Dia was handed his first Pompey start last night against the Swans.
The deadline-day signing from FK Haugesund had previously featured twice off the bench for the Blues, yet was named in the centre of defence at Fratton Park alongside Connor Ogilvie.
As a consequence, fit-again Hayden Matthews, who returned to the squad, was overlooked, while Ibane Bowat, being a left-footer, was not considered for a right-sided role.
Dia, who had been playing in Norwegian football, turned in a solid display against Swansea, growing into the match after a nervy start in an abject first-half display from Pompey as a collective.
Although Poole is expected to join Shaughnessy in being available for Monday evening’s clash with seventh-placed Derby (8pm).
‘I thought he performed well’
He added: ‘Regan was ruled out with the ankle injury, so JoJo has been the centre-half on the right-hand side.
Hayden (Matthews) has only just come back from injury JoJo has been performing well in training - and I thought he performed well last night.
‘We are hopeful Regan will be back for Monday. He had a fitness test yesterday, but just didn’t make it, unfortunately.’