Exclusive:'Loads more to come': Portsmouth boss keen to capitalise on surprise international snub
The Tallinn-born midfielder has 25 caps and one goal for Estonia to date
John Mousinho is convinced Rocco Shein can reap the benefits of remaining on Pompey’s training pitch rather than seeking further international recognition.
Mousinho was unaware of such developments, nonetheless would welcome the opportunity to spend more time honing the 23-year-old’s talents during the next three weeks while the Championship schedule is paused.
Following his July switch from Fredrikstad in a £2m move, Shein has started seven of Pompey’s eight matches. And while Mousinho is convinced the midfielder is improving, he would relish more time to develop the youngster.
‘I think he’s getting there’
The Blues’ head coach told The News: ‘I think there’s a solid block of training we can potentially get into Rocco, a bit of time off at the front end of the international break would also be useful.
‘There’s a huge amount of games for some of these international sides, some have five games scheduled in three weeks, which I don’t think is necessarily conducive to a good performance at this stage.
‘So having a bit of time to rest and really get to the level in terms of intensity of training, intensity of games, might be one for Rocco through the break.
‘I think he is getting there, I think he’s improving week on week in terms of making sure that he can compete with the intensity of the level.
‘He is still adapting, still adjusting to the system , while he’s started to control games. I thought he did very well in the second half against Charlton, where he started to get much more involved in possession, having felt his way over the first 45 minutes and showing glimpses in the final third.
‘That is what we want to see from Rocco. I still think there is loads more to come, but we are getting there.’
Rocco Shein v Ebou Adams
Shein was replaced at half-time by Ebu Adams in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Blackburn - and it’s a familiar change.
The pair have swapped in the Estonian’s last five Championship starts, with Mousinho looking for Adams to bring a different dynamic to the midfield during the second half of matches.
Certainly he impressed last weekend as he battles with Shein to regain that starting spot which has consistently eluded the former Derby man so far this season.
And Pompey’s head coach appreciates the diverse abilities each brings to his side, depending on the match situation.
Mousinho added: ‘It’s a little bit of everything, fitness wise Rocco is a very fit young lad, he covers a huge amount of ground.
‘One thing we have benefited from in the last few games is Rocco playing 60-65 minutes, then Ebu has come off the bench and had a real impact with the high energy he possesses.
‘The two of them complement each other very well.’