Dependable defender is facing fresh Blues battle

HE’LL know it himself already, but Kieron Freeman is facing yet another battle to justify his Pompey existence.

Arriving at Fratton Park during newly-installed permanent boss Danny Cowley’s first wave of signings, the experienced campaigner would have been forgiven for thinking he’d be a mainstay of his new head coach’s Blues revolution.

He’d be right in some respects, with the former Sheffield United favourite featuring in 24 of Pompey’s 33 games in all competitions this season – 17 of which have come as starts in League One.

But hidden behind those impressive numbers, you get the sense that Cowley has continuously wanted better in the positions where the reliable Freeman operates.

We saw it initially with the arrival of Millwall loanee Mahlon Romeo at the end of the summer transfer window – a signing that ultimately signalled the end of the 29-year-old’s status as firstchoice right-back/wing-back.

Now it’s a case of déjà vu following the head coach’s weekend capture of Blackburn centre-half Hayden Carter on loan for the rest of the campaign.

We all knew Cowley wanted another centre-back on books given the injury to Clark Robertson and others who play there.

However, an increasing penchant for a back-three system and the deliberate targeting of a player who can play on the right of that defensive trio demonstrated where any apparent weakness lay.

And once again it’s the unfortunate Freeman who is paying the price, after stepping up admirably to play the role thrust upon him mid-season.

In fairness to Cowley, he stuck by the ex-Swansea and Derby defender for last Saturday’s visit of MK Dons – the same day Carter’s arrival was confirmed.

But Freeman was dropped to the bench for Tuesday’s trip to AFC Wimbledon, as the Blues’ first signing of the current window was given the nod to start.

Now, you get the impression that is where he will remain unless either Carter or Romeo pick up injuries, or suffer a dip in their performances.

Cowley will correctly insist it’s a squad game and that all members of his group have an important part to play.

But, in reality, there are few fans who would have Freeman in their best XI following Carter’s arrival.

That presents Freeman with yet another challenge to overcome just six months into his two-year Pompey stay.