Dion Donohue still has part to play in Portsmouth ambition

Dion Donohue still has a role to play in Pompey's promotion push.
Dion Donohue is edging closer to first-team considerationDion Donohue is edging closer to first-team consideration
Dion Donohue is edging closer to first-team consideration

That is the verdict of Kenny Jackett as the versatile performer edges towards selection consideration.

Following a summer blighted by injury and illness, Donohue was handed his second reserve outing on Tuesday afternoon at Reading.

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He was withdrawn after 59 minutes of the 1-1 draw as a precaution, after feeling tightness in his hamstring.

Dion Donohue is edging closer to first-team considerationDion Donohue is edging closer to first-team consideration
Dion Donohue is edging closer to first-team consideration

Regardless, the former Chesterfield man is nearing a return to bolster Jackett's options.

And the Blues boss is adamant Donohue can still play a part in his ambitions.

He said: '˜We feel Dion's a fit lad who has trained really well, but just hasn't had games. He hasn't played any football since early May.

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'˜Injury and illness have hindered him slightly so far this season, yet he will be an addition '“ as and when he comes back.

'˜There is a role for him, 100 per cent. Donohue is really good player and he will fit in. During the course of the season he will be an addition for us.

'˜I do feel him going into midfield will be something, but obviously we know he can do a few roles and had spells at left-back last season.

'˜I'm open-minded as to where to play him, really. As a manager you don't worry about those things, there is plenty of other things to worry about, you just try to get as strong as you possibly can and then see how it evolves.

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'˜I've got time for Donohue. I think he's a really good player and there are a few roles he can play.

'˜As and when he does get a chance, I think he will take some shifting.'

Donohue and Louis Dennis are the only members of the first-team squad not to have featured so far this season.

Yet both started the reserve fixture at Reading's training complex on Tuesday.

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Dennis opened the scoring for the Blues in the 1-1 draw, although Donohue was replaced by academy player Josh Flint on 59 minutes.

That appearance followed the previous week's comeback against Plymouth in the Premier League Cup, spanning 62 minutes. 

First-team coach Jake Wigley, who oversaw the reserve match at Reading, added: '˜Dion felt a little bit of tightness, so we just took him off. Hopefully it's nothing too serious.

'˜There was a bit of tightness in his hamstring so he came straight off '“ it was precautionary.

'˜There was no point risking him.'

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