Pompey receive defender fitness boost

The central defender has struggled since April with a groin problem and is yet to participate in pre-season training.

There have been fears his ongoing problem may require surgery, forcing him out of the start of the season.

However, Paul Cook has revealed Clarke has been given the nod to resume training this week following the squad’s return from Ireland yesterday.

No operation is required, ensuring the defender can finally get his season underway having joined on a three-year deal from Ipswich in the summer.

Cook said: ‘We have had good news on Matt.

‘We are hopeful he will be close to fitness when we are back at the training ground today, fingers crossed.

‘At the minute, no operations, no injections, we have given him that week’s rest now and the doc feels that will tidy it up.

‘And we are grateful if that happens.’

Ben Close (hamstring), Curtis Main (groin) and Tom Davies (back spasm) all missed Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Bohemians.

It brought a close to the week-long Irish tour, with the players today back at their Hilsea training base.

They will be joined by Jamie Ashdown, who will train with the Blues as he seeks to win a deal.

Ipswich youngster Michael Crowe is also expected to remain as Cook continues to assess the towering keeper, who is available for loan.

Belgian triallist Elyse Boris Konsiembo, who featured as a substitute against Sligo last week, has now left, as has former Leeds keeper Eric Grimes.

Pompey continue to assess right-back triallist Chris Sessegnon.