Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has issued a clear challenge to winger Paddy Blair, urging the £300,000 arrival from Liverpool to meet Championship-level fitness standards as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
The 20-year-old picked up the setback during the final game of the 2024–25 season against Hull City and is now more than nine weeks into his rehabilitation. While Blair’s long-term potential is highly regarded within the Pompey setup, Mousinho made it clear that the winger cannot afford to fall behind his teammates—especially as the club prepares for life in the Championship.
“We know what Paddy can bring to the team, but the next step is making sure he’s physically up to speed when he returns,” Mousinho said. “It’s going to be a big jump, and the Championship is unforgiving. His recovery needs to be matched by a drive to hit peak condition.”
Blair, who made a handful of late-season appearances after joining from Anfield, impressed with his pace and directness, offering glimpses of the talent that prompted Pompey to invest in his services. However, with the intensity and demands of the second tier looming, Mousinho is focused on ensuring no player lags behind.
Portsmouth begin their preseason campaign later this month, and while Blair is unlikely to be available for early friendlies, the coaching staff are hopeful he can feature before the new league season begins.
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