Macey calling for fans’ patience as head coach’s game plan unfolds
er player because I can see him playing for Pompey at some point in the future – and that’s what we want from these young players.
‘I don’t want to big him up too much and put any undue expectation or pressure on the lad, but that should be his focus anyway.
‘He should be excited about the future – but he’s got two goalkeepers ahead of him at the moment who are performing really well, which is a very good challenge as well.
‘I have a lot of time for Toby, but he has a lot of work ahead of him.’
Steward is effectively a second-year scholar, yet signed professional forms in February 2022 on the day of his 17th birthday.
He made 26 appearances on loan at Isthmian Premier Division side Bognor earlier this season, earning excellent reviews for the Sussex club.
However, after moving to Salisbury in January, he suffered a 5-0 defeat in his first and only outing – at Merthyr Town, where he was beaen four times in the opening 45 minutes – before recalled by Pompey after two weeks.
Mounsinho added: ‘Sometimes it’s difficult for young players to go out on loan and do what we know they are capable of doing because of the difference between training and competition.
‘He was in and out of the side at Salisbury. It’s up to them to decide whether he was playing well enough, but, for us, it was better for him to be back here if he wasn’t going to be playing.
‘ H oweve r, I genuinely have no doubts that Toby will develop into a really good goalkeeper.’
Matt Macey has called for patience from Pompey fans as John Mosuinho continues to stamp his authority on his team.
The Luton loanee came under fire from sections of the Fratton faithful during the 2-2 draw against Port Vale last month.
With the Blues playing out from the back, the 28-yearold misjudged his clearance which saw the ball find Funso Ojo who was able to capitalise on the error.
But Macey understands the risks which come from playing out from the back, but has insisted Pompey will reap the long-term rewards as Mousinho continues to implement his style of play on the squad.
He told The News: ‘It’s the way the game is nowadays and it’s developing as it heads down the leagues.
‘I think you see more teams in League One and League Two trying to play that style of football.
‘The manager has made it clear that’s how he wants us to play and develop our game and that’s the way football is now.
‘I enjoy the challenge, there’s times when it can get a bit risky and a bit hairy like we’ve seen in the last couple of weeks but ultimately if that gives us the best chance of dominating a game then that’s what’s important.
‘There’s times when you do need to take a bit of a risk and he (John Mousinho) has been very clear that he’ll support us when those things happen.
‘There have been times when it’s been difficult for us to play out and teams have pressed us but at the end of the day, it’s not a way of playing which is just going to happen overnight.
‘It’s complex for a reason and the best teams do it and they build on it over years so it’s something we’re developing but it comes to a point where we also need to be effective.’
Since Macey’s arrival on loan from Luton in January, the keeper has kept eight clean sheets in 16 league games for the Blues.
But the keeper is adamant he will not take credit for their impressive defensive record in recent months.
He added: ‘I’ve been really happy with it on a personal note but I think the team are really happy with it as a collective, that’s what’s most important.