Potential recruits may be on Portsmouth periphery '“ but silverware is attractive carrot

Like every other manager in League One, Kenny Jackett aims to bolster his squad in January.
Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe PeplerKenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler
Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler

The transfer window offers Pompey the opportunity to strengthen their title charge and give themselves the best opportunity of reaching the Championship.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jackett missed out on the pacey striker he identified in the summer, as Mo Eisa opted for a switch to Championship side Bristol City.

Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe PeplerKenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler
Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler

Recruiting a player with a similar skill set will be the priority, although the Pompey boss has previously admitted they can be difficult to come by.

But a switch to the League One leaders will make joining the Blues attractive to potential suitors.

The carrot of a potential title-winners' medal is a temptation Jackett can use in any negotiations. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But any new faces may have to settle for a supporting-act role at Fratton Park. 

Jackett's starting XI has been virtually unchanged this season '“ and their superb run of form has justified that decision.

The Blues' four-pronged attack have all been in scintillating form for the League One leaders.

Ronan Curtis has stolen the headlines after arriving from Derry, registering seven goals and eight assists, as well as earning his maiden Republic of Ireland senior cap. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jamal Lowe, Gareth Evans and Oli Hawkins have been equally as impressive, though, netting as many goals as Curtis. 

Hawkins has bagged six in his past eight games and has forced last term's 25-goal top scorer, Brett Pitman, to been confined to the substitutes' bench for the majority of the campaign.

As a result, some of Pompey's exciting summer recruits have had to settle to being bit-part players.

Andre Green didn't even make the match-day squad at Scunthorpe, despite arriving with a lofty reputation from Aston Villa on a season-long loan. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

David Wheeler still awaits a league start during his spell from QPR, while Louis Dennis has yet to feature in the third tier.

Joe Mason has been sidelined with a groin injury, although the Wolves forward had featured just three times beforehand. His loan spell looks unlikely to be extended when it expires in January.

There's no reason why Jackett will change his line-up if his troops maintain their league position. 

So any January signings may have to settle for being bit-part players.