Jackett keeps close eye on potential at Portsmouth

The Blues boss cast his eye over the academy's victory over Bristol Rovers in the FA Youth Cup first round on Wednesday. 

Mark Kelly's side delivered a comprehensive 5-2 win. Bradley Lethbridge was at the double, while Leon Maloney, Haji Mnoga and Alfie Stanley were also on target.

Jackett attended the clash to assess who could potentially be handed a professional deal at Fratton Park in the future. 

When watching the young Blues, he was looking at which players may be part of his first-team set up down the line. 

Jackett said: '˜Yes, definitely, you're there for that reason (who may get a professional deal).

'˜You're there for whoever might in the future and who you think might have the potential to move into the first team.

'˜That's what you are there for. There are a lot of players at 17 you can look at and think what they'll be like in 3-5 years.

'˜You can see several players on the pitch and think 'yes, no, maybe' but 3-5 years is a long time.

'˜At that age, people change a lot but the potential is there for them.'

Pompey will travel to either Worthing or Cray Wanderers in the second round of the FA Youth Cup.

And Jackett was impressed by the young Blues' display against Rovers. 

'˜It was an excellent game and the team played very well,' he added.

'˜We deserved to win and I'm pleased we're through.

'˜There were some good individual performances on the big stage for the kids.'