Pompey cast eye over Danish defender

Pompey are weighing up recruiting Danish triallist Thomas Juel-Nielsen.
Pompey assistant manager Joe Gallen. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey assistant manager Joe Gallen. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey assistant manager Joe Gallen. Picture: Joe Pepler

And the central defender could be offered the opportunity to impress in Monday’s Premier League Cup fixture with Everton.

The ex-Denmark under-17 player has trained with the Blues for several weeks following the injury to Jack Whatmough.

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Juel-Nielsen’s presence has coincided with the defensive crisis which last night saw striker Oli Hawkins line up in the centre of defence with Matt Clarke against Crawley.

Pompey assistant manager Joe Gallen. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey assistant manager Joe Gallen. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey assistant manager Joe Gallen. Picture: Joe Pepler

Both wrote their names on the scoresheet in the 3-1 Checkatrade Trophy victory over the League Two side.

Christian Burgess is pushing to return from injury in time for Sunday’s trip to Gillingham.

Regardless, there remains interest in Juel-Nielsen.

Assistant boss Joe Gallen said: ‘He has been around and there’s nothing to confirm or deny really.

Pompey assistant manager Joe Gallen. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey assistant manager Joe Gallen. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey assistant manager Joe Gallen. Picture: Joe Pepler
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‘He has played some games in his native Denmark and more recently Israel – let’s see what the future brings.

‘We’re looking at him in training, there’s nothing to confirm he is going to sign or anything like that.

‘But let’s say Christian does come back soon, we still probably need another centre-half anyway because we are down to two natural ones again in him and Matt.

‘We need Nathan (Thompson) to come back.

‘He has been playing predominantly at right-back and is a right-back really.

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‘So we probably still need someone else to help us get through to January.

‘There is a Premier League Cup game on Monday and I hope he plays because it will give us a look in a proper game.

‘Maybe we can make a decision then after playing him.’