Kenny Jackett pinpoints gap in Portsmouth squad which has to be filled in January window

And the Blues boss acknowledged the onus is on the attacking midfielder to bring the drive missing in the middle of the park since Ben Thompson’s departure two years ago.

Jackett is continuing his recruitment this month, after yesterday sealing a deal for striker to Jordy Hiwula to remain at Fratton Park for the rest of the season.

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Pompey currently have once space available in their 22-man squad for players aged over 20, under the salary cap and squad restrictions in operation in League One.

A further spot is expected to be made available with Reeco Hackett-Fairchild set to move to League Two side Southend.

A left-back is needed after Cam Pring was recalled by Bristol City, with Lee Brown now the only senior option in that position.

But it’s a midfielder who can bring some drive in the middle of the park which remains a priority for Jackett this month.

Pompey possess enough space in the playing budget to bring in a single significant signing before 11pm on February 1.

Like Cannon, Jackett sees Tom Naylor as another player with no one comparable in the squad as he looks to areas where cover is light.

He said: ‘We think we’re quite well covered in most areas but a couple of injuries can change things.

‘Andy is someone who can run with the ball.

‘That’s something he’s got that we haven’t had in midfield since maybe Ben Thompson left.

‘But similarly, Ben Close for instance has scored some fantastic goals in the time he’s been playing for me.

‘He has other strengths as well, as does Bryn Morris.

‘None of them are similar. There isn’t a player like Andy, but neither is there one like Tom Naylor either.

‘It’s very hard to get like for like and obviously we’d miss either of those players if they were to get injured because they are playing very well.’

Naylor and Cannon are firmly established as Pompey’s preferred midfield pairing at present and have started in the past 14 league games.

That’s meant Morris and Close having to play second fiddle and barely featuring, since Jackett settled on that duo and went with a 4-4-2 formation.

Close has made two league starts all season, while Morris has not started a League One game since October 10 after being favoured early on this term.

Despite such limited first-team opportunities, Jackett stated he had faith in either of the pair when called upon.

He added: ‘I do think that both Ben and Bryn are capable in their own way, if slightly different.

‘We have them both and they are experienced players as well.

‘I wouldn’t say we haven’t got anybody, but Andy has played well and formed a good partnership with Tom Naylor.

‘Should either of those two be out, I’d be very confident of either Ben Close or Bryn Morris.

‘In terms of bringing people in, we’re trying to look everywhere and make sure it’s as wide a range as possible to cover all eventualities.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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