Wilson tipped for big future

Portsmouth midfielder Michael Brown is tipping surprise-package Marc Wilson for big, big things after his impressive maiden Pompey campaign.

The 22-year-old was thrown into Paul Hart's side at the start of the season following a flood of top-name departures.

No player has started more Premier League games for the Blues this season than Wilson.

It's testament to the prodigious talent of a player whose very first-team presence has come under intense scrutiny from fans at times.

Nonetheless, after playing much of the season in central defence, Wilson has gone on to establish himself as a holding midfielder - his preferred position - and become an outstanding performer.

Wilson is set to return to the Blues' line-up against Wolves on Saturday after being rested on the bench at Bolton.

And Brown regards the Irishman as one of the successes of the season.

He said: 'If Marc keeps on the right track he has a good chance of being a good Premier League player.

'You look at him and he is only 22 and has got a bit of everything.

'He has a bit of pace, has got that bit of grit about him, possesses composure on the ball, has long-range passing and he can play in several positions. People talk about his best role in the team, but I think Marc's good either way.

'He might prefer midfield but I think he'll do a job at centre half as well. He's got that versatility.

'He's got better for sure. It's difficult as well for someone to do particularly well and shine in a team which has not got results.

‘we have lost games, but people have noticed Marc and noticed what a good, young player he is.

‘I think everything has been put on the back burner with regards to the usual players' player of the year event.

‘But I would certainly think about Marc.'

Wilson's great progress for Pompey this season earned him his maiden Ireland call-up in February and he has attracted interest from Sunderland and Fulham, and both have been linked with close-season swoops.

With Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou looking to cash in on some of the Blues' most bankable assets during the summer to keep the club afloat, the sale of Wilson may well be an attractive proposition.

And Brown is anticipating plenty more interest in the rising star.

He added: ‘I think there will be some clubs in for him in the summer willing to pay decent money.

‘We'll just have to see what happens, it's out of our control.

‘But I am sure there will be other clubs willing to take him.'