Portsmouth boss’ message over Sunderland, Ipswich, Hull City, Charlton and League One's season continuing amid coronavirus lockdown

And the Pompey boss believes that is a mood echoed through League One and across the EFL in the face of spiralling Covid-19 cases.

The Blues are due to return to action as they go to Bristol City in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon following three weeks without game.

SUBSCRIBE today for the latest Pompey updates

That was as a result of a coronavirus outbreak at the club seeing two games called off before the trip to Accrington was postponed because of a frozen pitch.

Pompey’s games were part of flurry of League One fixtures which went the same way before the country went into its latest lockdown on Monday night.

That announcement was followed by news elite sport is to continue despite the restrictions in place.

Jackett made it clear he’s supportive of the call to carry on unless the government feel the need to step in.

He said: ‘In League One and League Two we’re already at a high number of games off.

‘So it people are fit, well and there’s a willingness to play we’ll carry on.

‘If we stop it right across the board it would need to be a bigger picture IE the government making the decision.

‘If in League One we’re okay and there’s a willingness to play, I’d want to be playing on.

‘We have to be ready now and be ready when we do go back.

‘We can’t affect how Covid changes the situation or a frozen pitch. We just have to be ready when the games come thick and fast. We have to be prepared and ready.’

There’s been plenty of speculation about the calls being made by the game’s key decision makers over the way forward for football amid the intensifying pandemic.

Jackett is sure the EFL and its members are in constant dialogue, but doesn’t feel that includes any sentiment to either pause or curtail the season at present.

He added: ‘I’m sure everyone is aware of it, but there hasn’t been any discussions and certainly no announcement (about stopping the season).

‘I think everyone will be looking to how the whole country copes through the winter months, which are here now.

‘Then some type of assessment can be made after that.

‘I haven’t heard anything, but I’m sure the powers that be are all discussing the subject

‘With last year’s experience behind them I’m sure they’ll make the right decisions.

‘There’s been no formal discussions I’m aware of. In terms of formal announcements we’ll be watching things very close through January and February.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage, starting at less than £1 a week.

You can subscribe here to get the latest news and transfer updates from Fratton Park - and to support our local team of expert Pompey writers.