Assessing the gaps in Portsmouth's squad and where recruitment attention may now turn

Four weeks after suffering League One play-off defeat to Oxford, the Blues made their first signing of the summer.

Sean Raggett has rejoined Pompey permanently, after spending last season on loan from Norwich.

Meanwhile, Lee Brown has also extended his Fratton Park stay, penning a new two-year deal.

It means Kenny Jackett has a clearer idea of the areas of his squad he now needs to bolster heading into a renewed promotion push.

As things stand, he has 19 senior players under contract. That leaves three berths available should a salary cap be implemented when clubs vote later this week.

If the proposal is passed, clubs will be restricted to 22 players above the age of 21.

Ahead of the vote, we’ve identified the gaps in Jackett’s squad and where he might now look to strengthen...

Goalkeepers

It's a department that Pompey are well stocked in - although there is a bit of uncertainty regarding the futures of two of their options.

Alex Bass delivered a string of impressive performances after taking over the No1 jersey from Craig MacGillivray on New Year's Day.

That's despite MacGillivray hardly putting a foot wrong.

The keepers are set to do battle for a starting spot in pre-season, with Bass currently ahead in the pecking order as he ended the last campaign as first choice.

However, the academy graduate has unsurprisingly attracted admirers, with Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough both potential suitors.

But should Bass stay then MacGillivray isn't keen on again playing deputy, having been bridesmaid at Walsall and Shrewsbury earlier in his career.

Pompey also have American Duncan Turnbull, who is under contract until June.

He's made a decent impression, although a switch to non-league football to gain senior experience could be an option as it would free up a berth in the squad.

Youngster Taylor Seymour also looks set to sign third-year scholarship terms.

Right-backs

Ross McCrorie is back at Rangers following his loan spell, leaving James Bolton as the solitary senior option.

The ex-Shrewsbury man was unlucky with injuries after his arrival at Fratton Park but was regarded as first choice before the lockdown period.

He'll be looking to build on his two goals in 33 outings and will still feel fans have yet to see his best football.

Haji Mnoga now looks set to be part of Pompey's promotion plans.

The England under-18 international has been part of Jackett's set-up since the return to training as he continues his development.

Mnoga doesn't count towards the salary cap limit so could prove a useful back-up option.

Centre-backs

The return of Raggett can provide crucial continuity that damaged Pompey's promotion push at the start of last term.

Raggett grew after a shaky start during his loan, winning over plenty of previous doubters by the end.

It means the Blues now have three senior centre-back options, with Jack Whatmough and Paul Downing also competing for a place.

However, Jackett may want one more to arrive given the pair only amassed a combined 16 games in 2019-20.

Downing was well out of favour for the most part, while Whatmough has recovered after a third serious knee injury of his career.

Leicester's Josh Knight is on the radar, with Pompey registering their interest with the Premier League side.

Meanwhile, Tom Naylor is able to fill in in central defence if required, as can Mnoga.

Left-backs

It was looking like it could be a problem position during the off-season.

But Lee Brown has now penned a fresh deal and is expected to be first choice heading into the new campaign.

However, Pompey will want an understudy to the vice-skipper, after Brandon Haunstrup left for Kilmarnock and loanee Steve Seddon returned to parent club Birmingham.

A switch for Brighton's Alex Cochrane is now in doubt. The Seagulls want the 20-year-old to get regular minutes under his belt if he goes out on loan.

However, someone of a similar ilk to Cochrane, under the age of 21 who wouldn't impact the squad limit, could be coveted.

Third-year scholar Joe Hancott has until December to win a pro deal.

Central-midfielders

Another area where Jackett doesn't have to worry about too much.

While Tom Naylor was surprisingly omitted for both play-off semi-final legs against Oxford, you'd expect him to again play a key role this term.

The captain is the boss' supposed leader who, before the play-offs, featured in every league game when available.

Bryn Morris has now thrust himself back into the mix after his shock return against Oxford following 14 months on the sidelines.

His involvement was at the expense of Ben Close, who was left out of both squads against the U’s.

Close, once again, has to fight his way back into the fray, although it's not the first time during his Blues career he's been in this situation.

Andy Cannon's capable of playing in a deeper role as well as further forward.

Pompey are also interested in Cameron McGeehan returning following his loan spell from Barnsley.

Wingers

Should Pompey retain Ronan Curtis, who Brentford have been keeping an eye on, then it's unlikely Jackett will be after another wide man.

The Blues will look for Curtis to again be an indispensable player, having registered 14 goals and 12 assists last season.

On the left wing, he will be challenged by Reeco Hackett-Fairchild.

The former Charlton man will be desperate for more opportunities, having played just once after arriving from Bromley for an undisclosed fee in January.

The opposite flank is also strong. Marcus Harness and Ryan Williams alternated throughout the season, both offering different attributes.

The versatile Gareth Evans is also capable of serving on either side should he be required.

In the hole

Jackett's favoured 4-2-3-1 system means he requires someone to play between the holding midfielders and the striker.

There are currently four options at PO4, with all offering something different.

Cannon's provided the most balance when he’s taken up the mantle, but upping his goal threat will be required as he netted only once last season.

John Marquis was utilised in the number-10 role, although by his own admission he was learning on the job and sees himself as a striker.

Evans did well during the first half of 2018-19, but was well down the pecking order by the end of previous campaign.

Harness is a creative option who netted at Oxford in the play-offs but has been seen more of a winger during his year on the south coast.

A quintessential attacking midfielder is something that's eluded Jackett during his time at Pompey.

There's an argument that the Blues should park interest in McGeehan and instead look for a more attack-minded player.

Strikers

Ellis Harrison and Marquis switched between the lone role spearheading Pompey's attack last term.

Harrison finished on 10 goals and Marquis 14 but they'll both be looking to build on those respective tallies.

The striking department does look perhaps one berth light following the departures of Oli Hawkins and Brett Pitman.

Pompey may want someone offering different attributes to Harrison and Marquis – such as rapid pace or height – who can come off the bench and change a game.

Reeco Hackett-Fairchild has played up top for the reserves.