Mingi has become a regular in the middle of the park for Pompey in recent games given their injury crisis.

 

One criticism that has been levelled at the former West Ham youngster has been that he has not been as influential as expected as the games wear on.

 

 

Mingi confessed that he is still getting to grips with his reality, starting games on a regular basis for Cowley’s side, noting that he has made a lot of progress in a little while.

 

To be honest, it doesn’t feel real that it’s happening and I’m starting games”, Mingi was quoted as saying by The News.

 

 

I’m used to coming off the bench, so it’s a crazy feeling.

 

I’m trying to make progress and, considering where I was last year, I’m making really good progress.”

 

 

Mingi admitted he loves to get up and down the pitch but has had to adjust to a defensive role under Cowley’s tutelage.

 

The 22-year-old also pointed out that he is a work in progress while saying that he hopes that he will get fitter with the passage of time and more training.

 

I’ve always been a midfielder who gets up and down.

 

“Here I’ve played more defensively, but it’s something I can do”, Mingi added.

 

But maybe me going on those runs, as much as it looks good, it’s really demanding of my body.

 

I can end up doing quite a few and then you’re defending, pressing and running into the half spaces.

 

It’s quite demanding, but the more I do it the fitter I get. I’m a work in progress – but I’ll get there.”

 

Mingi has made 23 appearances in all competitions so far for Portsmouth, assisting once and earning five cautions.