Injuries have, in fairness, proven very disruptive to Pompey this season. Yes, this is part and parcel of football, but a number of these setbacks have come to senior first team players, most of whom have a decent amount of ability, certainly experience, which would have benefited us.
On the flipside these have given others an opportunity, one they perhaps wouldn’t have gotten otherwise? Some have argued they are ‘not experienced enough’ or simply ‘not good enough.’ I’d say it’s easy to say this when you’re fielding young players. However, I’d also say you’ll always lack experience if you’re not given a chance!
I digress…
Anyway, Stuart O’Keefe, who celebrated his 27th birthday over the weekend, is one of those troubled by injury, a long-term one at that. He should soon make his comeback as he bids to push forward his claims for next season, be that as a Blue or back at Cardiff.
🎉🎁 A happy birthday to loanee Stuart O’Keefe, who turns 27 today!
Looking forward to seeing you back fit in a #Pompey shirt again soon, Stu 👊 pic.twitter.com/KmHaP3Hizl
? Portsmouth FC (@officialpompey) March 4, 2018
On-loan midfielder O’Keefe, sidelined with a groin injury since December, has been a good addition to the squad in my opinion and his return to action can only benefit us during the run-in.
When talking to the News recently O’Keefe said he wasn’t sure ‘what the agreement is’ with his loan, but with a year left on his Cardiff contract he’ll have the security of knowing he’s got a club next season regardless.
As Pompey is ‘a fantastic club with great potential’ O’Keefe appears open to an extended spell on the South Coast, which personally I wouldn’t be against as I think the former Crystal Palace man does bring plenty to the party.
So, one to keep? I’d say yes myself, of course on the right deal, what about you? He’s the topic of the current poll to your right.
Another who is being borrowed from Cardiff is Matty Kennedy. Unlike O’Keefe the Scot is out of contract at the end of the season so is playing for a future somewhere, unlikely to be at the Cardiff City Stadium I’d think.
If this decision was mine I wouldn’t be offering Kennedy a contract as he doesn’t offer enough – this is perhaps a discussion for another time though.
PLAY UP POMPEY
Follow @VitalPortsmouth.
2017-18 Prediction League – March
Gillingham (h) Saturday 10th March 2018 – click here.
Oldham (a) Saturday 17th March 2018 – click here.
Oxford (h) Sunday 25th March 2018 – click here.
Walsall (a) Saturday 31st March 2018 – click here.
