Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has launched an impassioned defence of Norwich City loan export Abu Kamara amid criticism of his performances. 

The young winger has been met with negativity from Pompey fans after some of his recent offerings, leading to his run of seven starts on the bounce ending on Saturday for their 3-2 victory over struggling Reading. 

Kamara's efforts were met by heckles in their last game at Fratton Park against Carlisle, but the youngster responded with a strong first-half display away at Cambridge United a week later. 

Despite the frustration felt by some supporters at Kamara's inconsistency, Mousinho was quick to provide context to his recent displays and offered a counter to the criticism that has been building. 

"There’s a couple of things you need to remember with Abu," Pompey boss Mousinho told the Portsmouth News.

"First of all, he’s 20. This is his first loan and his first time out of the under-21 league. Then we have relied on him far more than we would’ve anticipated because of Anthony Scully’s injury.

"Abu has played in every, single game and he’s started seven games in a row. He’s got goals, he’s got assists and all of that when not playing in his strongest position.

"He’s adjusted to that all brilliantly well, so when you take all of that context I’m really, really pleased with where he is. He’s a terrific, young lad and he’s developed a huge amount since we got him in the building."

Fluctuating performances are natural for young talent during their first loan away and Mousinho will continue to encourage Kamara to be expressive, even if that results in a loss of possession or an error. 

The Pink Un: Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has offered a robust defence of Abu Kamara. Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has offered a robust defence of Abu Kamara. (Image: PA)

"This is his first loan and these things happen, we’ve always seen it where first loans are difficult. In terms of the catalogue of first loans Abu is right up there with his success so far.

"I said to him if he fronts up a right-back or left-back, he takes them on 100 hundred times and loses it 99 - I’ll live with that," he said. "I’ve got no problem with him wanting to be positive - I want him to get at players and it’s not always easy.

"He’s showing some excellent glimpses which will turn into better form, I’m sure. Any criticism of Abu is a bit wayward, you have to take into account all the context - as a young lad he’s doing very well."