Conor Shaughnessy has refused to put the blame on Benjy Arthur for Bristol City’s opener against Pompey on Saturday.
And the popular Irishman has instead been hugely-impressed by the 20-year-old’s start to life at Fratton Park following his loan arrival from Bentford.
It's been a frenetic introduction to Championship football for the highly-rated centre-back, who has registered two starts and one substitute opting for the Blues.
Benjy Arthur.placeholder image
Benjy Arthur. | Jason Brown
Arthur received immense praise from John Mousinho and supporters after their 3-1 triumph over Lincoln City earlier this month, with his dominant performance playing a key role in the Sincil Bank success.
However, there were some question marks over his involvement for Bristol City’s opener on Saturday, with the Brentford youngster losing Lorent Tolaj in the box.
The England youth international lost track of the Robins striker, who converted Jed Wallace’s cross with a powerful first-time strike past Nicolas Schmid.
However, Shaughnessy is adamant a number of errors in the build-up to the goal were to blame, with Mousinho’s men out of shape after a quick counter attack from their own corner.
Pompey favourite’s Benjy Arthur admission after Bristol City moment
And although the Fratton favourite admitted Arthur is still getting to grips with Championship football, he’s been blown away by his start to life at PO4.
He told The News: ‘He’s been quality since he’s come in, really good around the place, a really good lad and has shown his quality in the two games he’s played so far.
‘The first goal, there are probably a number of things that could have been done better before the ball came into the box to Benjy so it’s a team effort.
‘We win together and we lose together, it’s not just on one player.
‘I think that he’s already shown he’s physically capable to play in this division and probably above. For someone of his age it’s a fantastic starting block.
‘I think you can see his composure on the ball, his calmness, which is massive. The higher up you go that’s needed more and more at centre-half.
‘I think he will improve day by day in terms of how he leads on the pitch, communicates to myself or whoever plays alongside him and that will be an area of his game that will come on leaps and bounds the more he plays.
‘It’s an exciting time for him, an exciting time for us and the club to be a part of his journey.
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Big billing on Brentford loanee after Pompey introduction
Benjy Arthur. Picture: Jeff Mood/ProSportsImagesplaceholder image
Benjy Arthur. Picture: Jeff Mood/ProSportsImages | Jeff Mood/ProSportsImages
After joining from Peterborough in 2023, Arthur impressed in the youth ranks with Brentford before heading out on loan to Celtic in January.
He featured six times during a promising stint at Celtic Park, before the Blues secured his signature earlier this month on a season-long agreement.
And Shaughnessy has highlighted the exciting attributes the 20-year-old already possesses in his locker.
‘He’s been excellent since he’s come in. You can see the qualities he has. He’s come from a Premier League club.
‘Really calm and confident on the ball, willing to learn, a really good person off the pitch which is also a massive thing coming into the club.
‘Easy to play alongside so one with a lot of promise for the future.’
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