Returning defender stakes Portsmouth first-team claim

Nathan Thompson has staked his first-team claim after making his injury comeback.
Nathan Thompson has been sidelined since the opening match against Luton. Picture: Andrew FoskerNathan Thompson has been sidelined since the opening match against Luton. Picture: Andrew Fosker
Nathan Thompson has been sidelined since the opening match against Luton. Picture: Andrew Fosker

The right-back featured in today's behind-closed-doors friendly with Swindon.

It represented Thompson's first game since injuring his left knee in the opening match of the season against Luton.

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Pompey's reserves defeated the visitors 3-1, with goals arriving from Ben Close, David Wheeler and Dan Smith.

Nathan Thompson has been sidelined since the opening match against Luton. Picture: Andrew FoskerNathan Thompson has been sidelined since the opening match against Luton. Picture: Andrew Fosker
Nathan Thompson has been sidelined since the opening match against Luton. Picture: Andrew Fosker

And Thompson appeared for 66 minutes before replaced by Academy full-back Harry Kavanagh in the Hilsea training ground encounter.

There was also a start for Danny Rose, who has been made available for loan ahead of Friday's 5pm deadline.

But Conor Chaplin did not feature as he continues to wait for his proposed loan switch to Coventry to be permitted.

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The striker, who asked not to be considered for Doncaster at the weekend, instead trained with the remaining members of Pompey's squad at Fratton Park this morning.

Fit-again Dion Donohue joined him in action as around 800 supporters watched the open training session from an allocated vantage point in the North stand.

However, Brett Pitman and manager Kenny Jackett were both noticeably absent through illness.

Those scheduled to appear for the reserves later in the day were also not present.

They included Luke McGee, Brandon Haunstrup, Adam May, Louis Dennis, Matt Casey, Thompson and goalscorers Close, Wheeler and Smith.

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