Portsmouth assistant manager Leam Richardson says on-loan Blues centre-half Matt Clarke has been a “pleasure to work with" and is delighted that the Barham-born academy product has extended his spell at Fratton Park until the end of the season.

Clarke joined League Two Pompey in August and has made 19 starts and two sub appearances, adding to his one Capital One Cup start and four Championship sub appearances for the Blues. He recently scored his first senior goal in the 3-0 home victory over Crawley.

“I can’t compliment Matt enough,” Richardson said following Saturday’s 2-2 FA Cup third round tie between the sides at Portman Road for which Clarke was ineligible. “I think he’s one of the best 19-year-olds for his attitude.

“He’s certainly got a lot to work on, he’s certainly got a lot to build on, but as man, as a boy and as a player, I think you’ve got such a talent there and if he continues to do that he’ll certainly have a career in the game, he’s been a pleasure to work with so far.

“We’re glad that he’s extended his loan to the end of the season and Mick’s allowed him to play. Hopefully, we’ll give him good information and give him good qualities to take on in his career.”

Regarding next Tuesday’s replay at Fratton Park, Richardson admits that neither promotion-pushing club - Pompey are currently fourth in League Two - would have wanted the extra game but says the additional finance will be welcome.

“I think both teams are doing very well in the league, I was lucky enough to watch Ipswich against Brighton, I’ve watched them a few times and they’re going very well,” he added.

“The league’s the bread and butter, we don’t hide from that, our job is to try and be as successful as possible in the league and I’m sure Mick’s trying to do the same.

“But it brings good finance to any club, Ipswich as well. We expect a good turnout at Fratton Park and we expect a good game again.”

Photo: Action Images

iaintaylorx added 09:43 - Jan 14 great to hear for one of our youngsters!
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itsonlyme added 12:03 - Jan 14 Perhaps just perhaps he should be here for the second half of the season!
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Corrick91 added 12:06 - Jan 14 Definitely a very decent prospect. Playing out of position I'd fancy him over Knudson
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theinbetweener added 12:48 - Jan 14 I like this kid, I really do rate himhighly and think he has a big future in the game - hopefully for us!
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Seasider added 14:26 - Jan 14 One little thing that worries me somewhat is the very few players that have come through from our academy into the first team during the 3+ years since MM took over. As I recall there were only Tommy Smith,who had been introduced by Joe Royal, Luke Hyam,Jack Ainsley,Ronan Murray,Josh Carson,and Jack Marriot;when he arrived. By the 1st anniversary the latter 4 had all gone,admittedly they weren't regulars;leaving just Luke and Tommy who have featured regularly for Mick when available. Matt Clarke,Josh Yorwerth,Cemal Ramadan and Michael Crowe are currently out on loan,whilst we have full backs Myles Kenlock and Josh Emmanuel also at the club who are now unlikely to even be on the bench with arrival of Kevin Foley.Players like Aaron Cresswell who was bought by Jewell and Tyrone Mings were both young players but were both purchased from other clubs. I know the first team are doing well;so it is not actually a criticism;but I thought I remember Mr Milne say about a year ago that they were aiming to have 50% of the first team home grown,which I think is a bit too ambitious bearing in mind the above.

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Corrick91 added 17:24 - Jan 14 Teddy Bishop As well
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blueboy1981 added 17:41 - Jan 14 Seasider .......indeed the criteria for Academy 1 status is such that a Club has to demonstrate that a specified number of players have to have progressed through the Club's syatem. You highlight one of the reasons we fall short - and may well continue to do so.
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blueboy1981 added 17:42 - Jan 14 ..... 'system' - should read.
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