‘Frustration’: Portsmouth summer capture’s message over game time after former Birmingham City man’s Stockport County arrival
Pompey’s first summer signing has yet to start in the Championship in his career, but has earned John Mousinho’s praise after arriving from Stockport County. Odin Bailey discusses his Blues situation.
Odin Bailey confessed he’s feeling frustrated at a lack of Pompey playing time.
But the Blues’ first summer signing remains convinced of his Championship potential, as he’s praised for his Fratton conduct.
Odin Bailey: ‘Yes there’s frustration, but I’ve been in this position before’
Bailey has yet to start a game in the second tier in his career, with some limited exposure arriving at the level when emerging with Birmingham City.
It’s been cameos at PO4 so far with just 12 minutes off the bench, before replacing skipper Marlon Pack in the 63rd minute of Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Blackburn Rovers.
Bailey helped John Mousinho’s team back into the game as they signed off for the international break, with his hope his playing time can accelerate.
There’s been praise from Mousinho for the attacking midfielder, with the Pompey boss seeing the Stockport County arrival setting high standards as he goes about his business.
Bailey admitted to a degree of consternation at a dearth of minutes on the pitch, but feels the levels he’s operating to will allow every chance of his situation changing.
A run of five games across the space of 13 days after the international break increases the chances of that happening, with the former England age-group international ready to take his chance.
Bailey said: ‘It’s about being patient. Ultimately I have to trust in my own ability when I do get the opportunity, because I believe I can go and take it.
‘That comes from what I do on the training ground every day, so I have to make sure I’m training at a high standard every day.
‘I have to make sure that when I do get my opportunities they don’t surprise me and I’m not ready for it.
‘How you go about things means a lot and goes a long way, I’ve learned that in my career.
‘What you do around the place doesn’t go unnoticed.
‘So yes there’s frustration, but I’ve been in this position before and I’m sure I’ll be in it again.
‘So I have to get my head down and work hard. I believe I’m good enough to play at this level and I do believe I can bring something good to the squad.
‘I need to keep that belief moving forward.’