Portsmouth boss tackles prospect of more players leaving before close of transfer window

And the Blues boss has told his fringe players to be ready as his side’s season intensifies in both pressure and weight of games.

Bryn Morris this week agreed a move to Northampton for the rest of the season, effectively signalling a close to his Fratton career with his contract at a close this summer.

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Pompey can add two players to their group under the salary cap restrictions, with left-back Charlie Daniels expected to arrive in the coming days.

But Jackett doesn’t expect any further space to be freed up before the close of the window on February 1.

When asked if players will leave, Jackett said: ‘I don’t think so no.

‘There was some interest in Bryn Morris as long ago as December now.

‘I did think it was the right thing for him to have a fresh start.

‘I don’t anticipate anybody out of the squad moving.

‘You do never know, but as well as that there’s nothing pending or pushing.’

The likes of Paul Downing and James Bolton have been among those touted for an exit this month, after finding themselves out of the Pompey first-team picture.

Midfielder Ben Close is another player who’s found playing time hard to come by this season.

Jackett stressed, however, that he feels he is going to need all of his options in the weeks and months ahead.

That is especially likely to be the case with the number of midweek games on the horizon and potential for more congestion through the coronavirus pandemic.

Jackett added: ‘Paul Downing is out injured at the moment anyway.

‘But for our players they are experienced players and with the amount of games - 25 plus one cup final - everybody will be needed, and we do want to go into that period as strong as possible.

‘So no, right now personally I don’t anticipate anyone going out.’

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