Pompey run the rule over goalkeepers

Pompey are casting their eye over two triallist goalkeepers during their Irish tour.
Leeds United's Republic of Ireland under-21 international Eric Grimes Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeLeeds United's Republic of Ireland under-21 international Eric Grimes Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Leeds United's Republic of Ireland under-21 international Eric Grimes Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Leeds’ Eric Grimes and Michael Crowe, from Ipswich, are currently training with Paul Cook’s squad in the Emerald Isle.

The young duo are both available to the Blues should they impress during their week-long stay.

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Alex Bass is at present the only fit keeper at the club, with Paul Jones continuing his rehabilitation following injury.

Bass, who was signed on first-year professional terms this summer, has travelled with Pompey to their County Meath base, while Jones remains at Fratton Park.

He has been joined by Grimes – a Republic of Ireland under-21 international who has come through the Elland Road youth ranks.

Twenty-year-old Crowe, a year Grimes’ junior, spent time on loan at Braintree and Stevenage last season.

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Right-back Chris Sessegnon completes the trio of triallists with the Blues in Ireland – a trip which takes in two games.

However, Michael Smith (tight calf) has not travelled across the Irish Sea, with Cook preferring to leave injured players at home.

Similarly, Matt Clarke, Danny Hollands and Gareth Evans are other absentees, while Calvin Davies is not ready to return from his ankle problem.

There is also no place for Matt Tubbs, Kal Naismith and Adam McGurk, who have stayed behind as Pompey seek to offload them.

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The transfer-listed trio have no future at Fratton Park and been advised to find alternative clubs during pre-season.

The only other member of Pompey’s squad to miss out on the trip is Academy graduate Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain.

– NEIL ALLEN