Who is Jayden Reid? The ex-Birmingham winger who’s caught attention of support
RONAN CURTIS has been frank about his ambitions heading into the 2021-22 season.
By his own admission, the winger wants to be playing Championship football after three years at Fratton Park.
Should the Republic of Ireland international get his desired move, Danny Cowley will be on the lookout for a replacement.
And with Michael Jacobs also linked with Ipswich, the left-wing role is one the Blues boss may need several recruits.
One potential player who could fill a void has indeed been under Pompey's watch during pre-season.
Jayden Reid has trained with Cowley's troops for the past couple of weeks.
Eagle-eyed members of the Fratton faithful identified the 20-year-old during his impressive second-half display against the Hawks.
Replacing Curtis on the left flank, Reid's direct style of play caused Paul Doswell's side plenty of problems and helped the Blues come from behind to deliver a 5-2 victory.
He then travelled to St George's Park for last week's training camp and continued to catch the eye.
So, what is his background?
As a teenager, he joined Manchester United's academy after his brother, Tyler, was poached from Arsenal.
Reid would again follow his sibling in 2017 when he signed for Swansea for an undisclosed fee but was not offered professional terms and left at the end of his apprenticeship.
He then joined Birmingham and got off to life as a Brum player in superb fashion bagging eight goals in 17 games for Birmingham's under-23s.
Having initially signed a one-year deal, the club triggered an option midway through the season to extend his stay by an additional 12 months.
After the 2019-20 season restarted Reid was involved in all nine remaining Championship games.
In the 2020-21 season?
Reid was loaned out to League Two newcomers Barrow.
In total, he made 12 appearances for the Cumbria outfit before returning to his parent club. The majority of his outings were as a substitute.
Reid then moved to Walsall during the January transfer window but things didn't go to plan.
He managed just a solitary outing for the Saddlers before hit time at the Bescot Stadium was cut short by mutual consent. Back at Birmingham? Reid was granted permission to play for their under-23s.
And he had a successful end to the season as he helped Brum's youngsters claim the Professional Development League
Two title with a win over Sheffield United.
Reid featured for 76 minutes and it turned out to be his last outing before his St Andrew's release.
Reid ended up at Fratton Park during Cowley’s pre-season hunt for trialists.
Not too many will win contracts but Reid fits the mould who could be successful.
The Pompey head coach wants a couple more younger players alongside Haji Mnoga and Liam Vincent who he sees as longterm projects.