Porstmouth: John Mousinho ‘hopeful’ Josh Murphy can play against QPR

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho says winger Josh Murphy is likely to be available for the visit of QPR on Friday (15:00 GMT kick-off) and has also praised Callum Lang’s form since returning to the side.

Murphy was forced off with an injury just eight minutes into the second half during the 1-1 draw at Derby on Saturday, with Lang having scored the opening goal at Pride Park.

“Josh hasn’t flagged too badly so we’re going to see how he is tomorrow [Wednesday] and go from there,” Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent.

“We’ve just gone on the symptoms with Josh and it’s settled down really well, so we’re pretty hopeful he’s going to be available.”

Lang finished off an excellent team move for his second goal in two games, having returned at the end of November after missing 13 league matches with injury.

“Really good to have Callum back, we’ve missed him a lot since that Norwich game [on 16 August],” Mousinho added.

“To come back and score the two goals but also the performances and have that level of influence on the game has been really impressive.”

On the prospect of facing QPR, who are seventh and pushing for a play-off spot after five wins in their past seven games, Mousinho added: “They’re flying at the moment, they beat Leicester last week, 4-0 up at half-time.

“They’ve certainly turned things around from a difficult start they had. They’ve been one of the form sides recently.”