Cook: Difficult to keep Smith at Pompey

Michael Smith left Pompey on transfer-deadline day to join Northampton on loan for the rest of the season Picture: Joe Pepler

The Blues boss allowed under-fire striker Smith to depart the club on transfer-deadline day – after signing Eoin Doyle on loan from Preston.

Low on confidence, Smith had been sarcastically cheered off the field of play by sections of the Fratton Park crowd during the 1-0 home defeat to Exeter at the weekend.

On a run of eight games without a goal, the 6ft4in forward has departed on loan for League One Northampton, with Doyle set to take his place in the starting XI.

Speaking at today’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wycombe, Cook said: ‘I think everyone knew it was getting more difficult for Michael Smith at the club.

‘I think the least I say about that from my point of view, the better.

‘So bringing another striker in when we have got Nicke Kabamba, Noel Hunt, Conor Chaplin and Curtis Main – if he ever comes back from injury – will be good to have.

‘We are happy with what we have in and we certainly wish Micahel on his loan the best of luck and to go and enjoy his football for a short space of time.

‘Eoin comes in and we have got our group now until the end of the season.’