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Portsmouth are showing interest in Ross County full back Josh Reid


By Alasdair Fraser

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PORTSMOUTH are showing strong interest in Ross County's talented young left-back Josh Reid.

Ross County's Josh Reid (right) gets past St.Mirren's Marcus Fraser last week. Picture: Ken Macpherson
Ross County's Josh Reid (right) gets past St.Mirren's Marcus Fraser last week. Picture: Ken Macpherson

The Dingwall-born defender, just 18, burst onto the Premiership scene this season and has started in every one of the Staggies' five matches so far.

After 10 years spent nurturing Reid through their youth academy, County are in no rush to see him go, particularly with his performances earning rave reviews.

But it is understood the club's management have been alerted to Pompey's interest in the youngster after two scouting visits.

The English League One side, who failed to achieve their promotion target last season, have been criticised recently for a lack of transfer activity with Sean Raggett the only summer addition so far.

But it is understood manager Kenny Jackett sees Reid as one who could step straight into first team action and is considering a bid to test County's resolve.

County confirmed there had been no formal bid for Reid, but manager Stuart Kettlewell admits the young defender has been superb so far.

Kettlewell stressed: "I had hoped Josh was going to perform to the level he has done and I've been delighted with him.

"I’ll probably sound as if I’m heaping loads of pressure on him, but there has to be an element of pressure that comes with it for young players.

"If we believe in them, they have to believe in themselves. The demands will only increase for Josh.

"We have had a few aspects in every game that are part of his education.

"Most teams have a pacy wide player who looks to get a full-backs, so it’s been a really good education for him in the first four games. He has acquitted himself well.

"I maybe sounded over-confident before the Motherwell opener when a few people were surprised to see him starting but I was really comfortable with what he is as a player, his mentality and how he would deal with any adversity that comes in the game.

"I knew he wouldn’t get carried away with himself even if he was doing well.

"I can’t say it’s a huge surprise to me how well he’s done. The timing was right for him to come into the team.

"He has taken the chance with both hands. Some young players will take a dip in form and that might become the case with Josh, but he has shown he can play at this level.

"That has to be a huge confidence boost for him because it can be important to get across that bridge and prove to yourself you can mix it in that company."

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