The glowing reference former West Ham and Charlton youngster will take confidence from as he prepares for first Portsmouth start

The 21-year-old is likely to be handed his first League One starting XI place at New Lawn as the Blues travel to Gloucestershire with midfield troubles.

Experienced duo Marlon Pack (suspended) and Louis Thompson (fractured leg) are definitely out, while no-one can guarantee Tom Lowery’s emergence from a hamstring injury following many false dawns in recent games.

The chances are only previously out-of-favour Ryan Tunnicliffe can stand in the dynamic midfielder’s way after 25 league appearances on the bench without a sniff of a run-out from the beginning.

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth predicted line-up: Two changes, shifts in positions and full league debuts at Forest Green after Charlton Athletic disappointment

But after his impressive substitute appearance against Charlton on Monday – with Mingi one of only a very few able to return from the Valley with his head held high – the time has surely finally arrived for the former West Ham youngster to make his mark.

Despite his clear confidence, enthusiasm for the game and eye-catching ability, the Londoner will no doubt be nervous at the prospect.

Yet, if he needs a gentle reminder of what’s he’s capable of, then he should look no further than his manager and the glowing reference provided.

‘He can be whatever he wants to be,’ said Cowley ahead of today’s game, which should enough to reassure us all today as the Blues look to pick up their first league win in five games,

Speaking about Mingi ahead of the game, the Pompey boss said: 'Jay is a young player who is improving by the day.

'He has so many tools to his game - has real athleticism, the ability to turn defence into attack, but is also fantastic in other areas of the game as well.

'I think his ability in the defensive transitions, to put fires out, is so important; his counter-press is such a huge part of his game as well, along with those lovely driving runs that you see which allow him to turn defence into attack.

'Yeah, he’s exciting and he can be whatever he wants to be.

'We're working really hard with him, have a lot of faith in him and he knows that.’

Mingi could be one of a number of changes to the Pompey side that lost 3-0 at the Addicks.

Joe Rafferty is available after stomach surgery, Zak Swanson is in contention, while Reeco Hackett, Joe Pigott and Ronan Curtis will be looking to come in after Monday night’s disappointment.