Key moment for Rasmus Nicolaisen's future as Portsmouth boss reveals view on whether FC Midtjylland man will stay

But the Blues boss admitted he faces a nervous wait before knowing if the Danish defender will remain at Fratton Park for the season.

Jackett believes Nicolaisen’s destiny this season will become clearer next week when discussions with his parent club FC Midtjylland are expected to take place.

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Nicolaisen is beginning to fulfil his Pompey potential with an excellent showing last time out in the top-of-the-table win at Hull City.

The 23-year-old has made 10 appearances to date, but just three starts in the league as he vies for a place in the team with Sean Raggett and Jack Whatmough in the middle of defence.

Jackett had words of praise for the Dane and how he’s beginning to settle into the team and a new culture after signing in September.

Nicolaisen has aired some disappointment at not getting the kind of playing time he anticipated after agreeing that move.

But Jackett senses his preference would be to stay and make an impression at Fratton Park over the second half of the campaign.

He said: ‘It’s the early part of January and he played very well for the whole part of the game when he came back in against Hull.

‘It was a big game, a tough game with a lot of defending to do after we scored early and he came the through it with flying colours.

‘We were very pleased with him and looking at him in training he’s got a lot of confidence and our players do rate him and like him.

‘So it’s been a good start to his Portsmouth career for Rasmus - and long may it continue.

‘I do think he wants to stay. You can never speak for the parent club and it’s the parent club at that time in that week they can recalled.

‘It’s what’s happening then there when they can be recalled. You can’t read that until you get there and nor can the club itself.

‘Similarly, he’s happy here, enjoys it and does want to be at Portsmouth.’

The key moment for Nicolaisen is now set to come across the next few days with Jackett expecting talks with FC Midtjylland to take place.

With the Christmas period coming to a close, the early part of the new year is traditionally when some clarity on such issues is usually gained.

He added: ‘At present, there hasn’t been any discussion.

‘Certainly next week we’ll look to talk.

‘There’s usually a lot of games at this stage, though there hasn’t been this year.

‘At the moment it’s concentrate on football but Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday it will be those days I think the situation will be assessed.’

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