Pompey to take another look at Horndean triallist

Olly Long has been offered a second trial by Pompey

The 18-year-old, who hails from Horndean, underwent a week-long trial with the Blues earlier this month.

He had previously been at Newcastle United but left the club in January.

Although he’s no longer training with Pompey, Long will get another chance to impress Kenny Jackett in the next few weeks.

A trial match is set to be arranged for the Blues boss to run the rule over the attacking midfielder.

‘He’s not with us at the moment,’ said Jackett.

‘As we get some free weeks we will be inviting him back to play in a game.

‘He has completed his week’s training and our assessment is we would now like him to play in a game.

‘He’s done okay and he’s a Pompey boy.’

Long was snapped up by Southampton as a 12-year-old when he was playing for the Hawks.

After four years at St Mary’s, he moved to Newcastle, aged 16.

He penned a pre-contract agreement with the Magpies in 2015, before signing his first professional contract a year later when he turned 17.

However, he departed St James’ Park last month.

Long is a life-long Pompey fan who used to hold a season ticket and followed the club home and away.

He bids to become the first triallist to successfully win a contract at Fratton Park since Kenny Jackett’s arrival.

The Blues boss has assessed numerous free agents during his time at PO4.

Former Wales international Adam Henley and ex-Ipswich midfielder Jonathan Douglas both missed out on deals after turning out for the reserves in the Premier League Cup.

Jackett also cast his eye over Mohamed Maouche, Thomas Juel-Neilsen, Ceykan Karagozlu, Victor Adeboyejo and Sandro Semedo – but all were unsuccessful.

Southampton left-back Will Wood has also trained with the Blues, as well as Boreham Wood’s Bruno Andrade.

– WILL ROONEY