If by the January window he's just playing for Pompey U23s, and not really near the first team, I'd be happy for him to go out on loan for half a season to a L1/L2 team. Plenty of time, he's only 18.
But the Championship is a big jump from the ALM, and I think we would all be (pleasantly) surprised if he was playing much, if any English 2nd tier before Xmas. Lets not forget he was really only a bit player at the Nix last season. Still heaps to work on with his decision making, and heads up play. His quick dribbling ability is his best asset at the moment, he'll need far more than that in the Championship. No rush.
If we look at say Irankunda (now 20) as a benchmark, Nestory was a far bigger star in the ALM than Pounds, yet Irankunda spent around 18 months at Bayern II and then Grasshoppers not doing too much. Then yes having a bit of breakout season just gone at Watford (played 40 games for 6 goals).
But the Championship is a big jump from the ALM, and I think we would all be (pleasantly) surprised if he was playing much, if any English 2nd tier before Xmas. Lets not forget he was really only a bit player at the Nix last season. Still heaps to work on with his decision making, and heads up play. His quick dribbling ability is his best asset at the moment, he'll need far more than that in the Championship. No rush.
If we look at say Irankunda (now 20) as a benchmark, Nestory was a far bigger star in the ALM than Pounds, yet Irankunda spent around 18 months at Bayern II and then Grasshoppers not doing too much. Then yes having a bit of breakout season just gone at Watford (played 40 games for 6 goals).