Portsmouth FC manager praises Mahlon Romeo and hints at permanent stay
Portsmouth FC manager Danny Cowley has praised the performances of on-loan Milwall defender Mahlon Romeo and spoke of his desire to make the deal permanent.
The Antigua and Barbuda international has made 27 appearances for the League One side since signing in August and has become a mainstay in the Portsmouth defence.
The 26-year-old is also being tracked by Cardiff meaning Portsmouth will face competition to land Romeo on a permanent contract.
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Portsmouth FC Danny Cowley manager had previously said that money could be an issue in signing the player however he appeared to soften his stance in a recent interview.
He told the Portsmouth News: "I don’t think you should ever say never in football, because no one knows quite what tomorrow's going to bring.
"No one would have thought Mahlon Romeo would have been available to us until deadline day last summer.
"We’ve enjoyed Mahlon being with us. We thought we saw the best of him last Saturday (against Accrington), which was great.
"He played with a real physicality and athletic quality while being aggressive against the ball. I think we take for granted how few goals we concede from that right hand side.
"That is credit to him and the way he marshals that side of the pitch. It was also great for him to contribute with an assist to George Hirst’s first goal against Accy."
Danny Cowley is also keen on securing another loanee, George Hirst, on a permanent deal.
The Pompey boss said he has been impressed by Hirst's performances of late and that he would be submitted a strong recommendation to the club's board that they sign the 23 year-old, who is on loan for Leicester City, on a permanent basis.
Danny Cowley said: "It would be up to the club to decide what is affordable.
"If we were able to sign George Hirst, I would strongly recommend it. I’ve said that from the beginning.
"These are the type of young players I think we should be really trying to sign at Pompey.
"We speak to Leicester on a regular basis, and we’re really appreciative they allowed us to take George, and I’ve been really proud of him and the way he’s worked.
"Like all young players, success doesn’t always happen in a straight line and he’s really had to fight to get to this moment."
