Pompey set for goalkeeper boost

PAUL JONES is expected to make his Pompey comeback against Salisbury tomorrow night.
Paul Jones. Picture: Joe PeplerPaul Jones. Picture: Joe Pepler
Paul Jones. Picture: Joe Pepler

However, the chances of Michael Crowe remaining to resolve the Blues’ goalkeeping situation have lengthened.

Jones has been out since April after damaging his calf against AFC Wimbledon.

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Yet on Saturday he was put through his paces on Sutton United’s pitch ahead of the friendly.

Alex Bass subsequently played in goal for the full 90 minutes of the 2-1 defeat, with Crowe an unused substitute.

Jones is now expected to feature in the trip to face Steve Claridge’s side tomorrow evening (7pm).

Pompey are still striving to recruit a keeper, with Jamie Ashdown not staying following a week’s training.

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Meanwhile, Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy is only interested in Crowe going out on loan to be a number one.

As for Bass, the 18-year-old remains earmarked for a loan spell away from Fratton Park to aid his development.

Cook said: ‘Paul is probably going to be ready to play tomorrow night, that is great credit to him and everyone.

‘Jamie Ashdown is not with us any more, he has left us now and we certainly wish him well.

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‘We are going to have a look at something else and from Jamie’s point of view and our point of view there is nothing more happening.’

Meanwhile, McCarthy has spoken about Crowe’s situation.

He added: ‘A loan move would be nice for him, if he’s going to play.

‘I don’t want him to be going there as a second choice because he can stay here and play in the under-21s and be back-up for us because if he goes out we’ll have to get another keeper as back-up.’