Ireland under 21 International Marc Wilson was named the Portsmouth man-of-the-match for the Premier League opener against Fulham last Saturday. Pompey lost 1-0, but Wilson looked assured alongside Sylvain Distin in the centre of defence.
He could do nothing about Fulham's winner, a Clint Dempsey shot which took a massive deflection off Bobby Zamora's back to deceive David James. But the young County Antrim born Irishman made some key challenges and clearances to ensure the Cottagers did not score again.
Wilson will be focused on cementing a regular start for Portsmouth this season and has shown great versatility in operating at right-back, centre-back & right-midfield for Pompey during the pre-season.
Wilson will also be hoping to catch the eye of Ireland international manager Giovanni Trapattoni and possibly earn a call-up to the senior squad.
Portsmouth boss Hart admits Wilson is still far from the finished article, but he has challenged the Ireland man to keep hold of his spot.
"obviously it would have been a bit nerve-wracking for him, but he coped well in two positions.
"He did well in pre-season but I thought he tired a little in the last 20 minutes. He's a young boy who is learning his trade.
"He's a good defensive midfielder as well as a defender, so he has plenty of strings to his bow.
"Marc is in the team and the way I've always been brought up is if you've got the shirt, keep it.
"That's done by performance and Marc is no different to anyone else."
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