'Need to play' - Portsmouth boss John Mousinho dangles recall possibility for Bradford City's Hayden Matthews
Hayden Matthews’ lack of Bradford City action has been addressed by Portsmouth boss John Mousinho
Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has dangled the possibility of an early end to Hayden Matthews’ loan spell at Bradford City.
The 22-year-old joined the Bantams on a temporary basis in the summer transfer window, arriving in West Yorkshire with Championship experience on his CV.
He has since made just three appearances, featuring twice in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy and once in the Carabao Cup.
Not only has he not made a single league appearance, Matthews is yet to make the Bradford bench for a League One game.
John Mousinho on Hayden Matthews
Discussing Matthews and Reading’s Josh Knight, who is also contracted to Pompey, Mousinho told Portsmouth-based The News: “I would love them to be playing on loan.
“You take Hayden, Bradford have an absolutely ridiculous defensive record and I’m not entirely sure whether they can make the change there because they are so good.
“He has played in the EFL Trophy and did very well, beating Rotherham 4-0, but getting into that league side is going to be difficult.
“You've got a side flying around the top of League One, in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a regular back three. That’s a tough job for Hayden.
“Reading aren’t quite as solid as Bradford defensively, but they are flying in the league as well. There’s plenty of time in the season, plenty of time for things to change, we just have to be patient with both of them and see where we are in January.
“There are recall options. If they are not getting minutes, I’m sure the players will want to go and look elsewhere. It will be a good experience for them anyway.
“That’s sometimes what happens and Hayden is an unbelievable example. He’s gone out on loan with every intention to play, but unfortunately Bradford’s record is one of the best in the country. We’ll see what happens - they need to play.”