‘A reason we’ve stuck with him’: Why Portsmouth boss has kept faith in match-winner Thomas Waddingham as striker buries injury pain

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has explained why he maintained faith in Thomas Waddingham after the striker scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Millwall. Returning from two-and-a-half months out following ankle surgery, the 21-year-old netted an 82nd-minute winner at Fratton Park. Mousinho praised the forward's penalty-box instincts and resolve after enduring recurring fitness setbacks.

Since signing from Brisbane Roar last year, Waddingham has made 14 appearances for Pompey while battling quad and ankle ligament injuries. Mousinho highlighted the Australian's movement, physicality, and finishing ability as valuable squad assets, adding that the striker continues to learn how to effectively use his size against Championship center-backs.