STARLETS RETURN TO CLASSROOM WITHIN HOURS OF BIG NIGHT
Pompey youngsters quickly brought back down to earth
THEY had achieved a lifetime ambition – and hours later returned to the classroom.
Pompey may have suffered Papa John’s Trophy defeat to West Ham United under21s, yet the real success story focused elsewhere.
Kenny Jackett granted first team debuts to six home-grown products on Tuesday night, while Harvey Rew made his second appearance.
Of the youngsters utilised in the starting XI and from the bench, five are still with the academy.
Rew, Harrison Brook, Seok Jae Lee and Charlie Bell are second-year scholars, while 16-year-old Harry Jewitt-White is a first year.
It was an emotional night for the Blues starlets, with all having been bred in the city.
But yesterday morning, it was back to the Pompey Study Centre to attend educational matters.
Under-18s coach Liam Daish told The News: ‘The morning after the game, the players were back in the classroom with Jon Slater (head of education and welfare).
‘So I will be looking forward to seeing them on the training ground on Thursday and bringing them back down to earth.
‘I’ll make sure their feet are on the ground, rather than coming in and asking for new contracts or whatever!
‘Wednesday is their education day, that doesn’t change. It is straight back into it.
‘This is an acid test for them now. They must take what they gained from Tuesday night, but get back to business.
‘They have to finish their education programme, which is just as important as their football. We want them to equally commit to what they are doing in their education.
‘I know Jon Slater will keep an eye on them.’
Pompey’s starting XI against the Hammers also consisted of third-year scholars Harry Kavanagh, Alfie Stanley, Eoin Teggart and Haji Mnoga.
Academy graduate Alex Bass joined Bryn Morris, Jordy Hiwula, James Bolton and Paul Downing representing the experienced players.
Daish added: ‘I thought our lads’ attitude was first-class and it was great to see them exposed in a first team environment.
‘We believe in what’s coming through, they are young lads and still developing. They are developing in different ways and at different speeds.
‘They got that chance to play at Fratton Park in a first team environment and it will mean a lot to all of them.
‘You only have to listen to Harry Kavanagh’s interview after the game to understand. He expressed what it meant to him.
‘The majority are local lads, brought up watching Pompey. Their dads, mums and grandparents are Pompey fans, it’s a real honour for them – and good to see they grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
‘It does mean a lot to them, it’s their club.’