Pompey striker sidelined with injury

The striker is set to miss the trip to Hartlepool after being withdrawn after 25 minutes of Saturday’s 2-1 win.

And Gary Roberts was also sidelined with a calf injury as Pompey moved six points clear of fourth-placed Stevenage.

Conor Chaplin will vie with Noel Hunt to start at the Victoria Ground after replacing Doyle in the victory over County. Doyle felt the injury shortly after firing a shot in on goal in the 13th minute of the weekend victory.

Pompey exercised caution with the 29-year-old – and Cook explained he will do the same to allow Doyle to recover with seven games remaining in the campaign.

Cook said: ‘It’s a groin with Eoin. He felt it. He is a tough lad but had to come off.

‘He’s a good kid and a quick healer, so hopefully it’ll just be a week or two.

‘We’ll do what we need to do to allow him to get back.

‘Whatever it’ll be it’s a big blow for us, but that’s part of the game.’

Cook erred on the side of caution, too, when it came to Roberts, who has picked up a calf problem.

The attacking midfielder hasn’t started since the defeat against Crewe at the start of the month. Cook is adamant he has a significant role to play over the season’s finale.

He said: ‘He’s got a bit of a calf injury. Of course it’s a frustration. We don’t like risking players.

‘But there’s plenty of time for this club to be promoted.

‘There’s seven games left. We need to keep preparing and recovering well and these players are important for us.

‘Gary was key to the win at Carlisle and will still be important to us over the rest of the season.’

– JORDAN CROSS