Portsmouth winger's absence against Carlisle explained as John Mousinho allays pre-match fears over former Cardiff and Hull ace

Blues boss John Mousinho revealed post-match that the summer signing from Cardiff missed out because of illness.

Many fans on social media questioned the Northern Ireland international’s whereabouts before kick-off, with the 27-year-old not named in the starting XI or on the bench for the Cumbrians’ visit to Fratton Park.

Despite the winger’s struggles to really show the Fratton faithful what he’s capable off, many put his absence down to injury and feared the Ulsterman would be joining Marlon Pack, Tom Lowery and Anthony Scully in the treatment room.

However, Mousinho dismissed those theories by stating Whyte was sick. He also shared his thoughts on Ryley Towler and Zak Swanson. They, too, two sat out the game – a decision based purely on selection, demonstrating the Blues’ strength and depth this season.

Speaking to The News, Mousinho said: ‘Gavin Whyte was ill – that’s why he missed out.

‘Ryley Towler and Zak Swanson, what can I say, it’s very, very difficult at the minute and I said this in midweek, they don’t deserve to be out of the squad.