The no-nonsense Portsmouth message from ex-Charlton Athletic and West Ham United man ahead of Oxford United showdown
Jay Mingi signalled his intent to keep hold of his midfield berth after his stunning Football League debut.
The midfielder delivered an outstanding man-of-the-match showing to help his team end a four-game winless run in League One with a 1-0 success over Forest Green.
Mingi ran the game in the first half, breaking up the home side’s attacks and driving his side forward with a series of forceful runs.
It was an eye-catching display which underlined the former West Ham and Charlton Athletic man’s potential on his 22nd birthday.
Mingi’s opportunity arrived with Marlon Pack suspended and Joe Morrell carrying a back injury. Meanwhile, Louis Thompson (broken leg) and Tom Lowery (hamstring) remain sidelined.
After getting his first taste of starting in the league, the Londoner has no intention of relinquishing his starting spot.
Mingi is determined to carry his form forward into a home double against Oxford United and Shrewsbury this week.
He said: ‘I was pleased with how I played, but the hardest thing now is backing it up.
‘That has to be the challenge for me and I’m sure I’m capable of achieving that - so on to the next one.
‘It’s most definitely in my mind to keep that spot now.
‘I want to keep that spot - I want to keep building and growing as a player.
‘I just need to keep getting games under my belt.’
Mingi’s first Pompey start has followed 12 appearances off bench and four Papa John’s Trophy and Carabao Cup starts, since arriving at Fratton Park last year.
There’s been plenty of noise about his talent in his time at the club, but the Forest Green win offered the clearest indication of his Pompey potential.
Mingi explained he realised he was in with a chance of getting his first league start under the belt following Marlon Pack picking up a red card against Charlton.
That hope then increased as the week progressed after conversations with Cowley.
Mingi added: ‘I had an inkling on Thursday because of Marlon’s red card and the gaffer said I was at the forefront of his mind.
‘He said make sure I’m ready.
‘Then on Friday it confirmed my thoughts when we did a bit of shape (training session) and then I was in the line-up on Saturday in the team meeting before the game.
‘It was special for me.’