Pompey striker out of Carlisle clash

Pompey boss Paul Cook confirmed the new loanee is out of the clash with the Cumbrians after injuring himself on international duty.

Cook is unsure of the amount of time the 21-year-old will be out for, after coming off for Republic of Ireland under-21s on Monday.

But the Blues boss is relaxed about the situation, with his side having options up front.

Cook said: ‘He’s picked up a groin problem which is going to keep him out.

‘We don’t know how long it will be. It could be a week or a month.

‘But Conor was signed with a view to being here at the end of the season.’

Kieron Freeman (knee) and Brian Murphy (calf) have returned to training for Pompey.