The big factor set to impact Portsmouth's deadline-day recruitment

It’s become Kenny Jackett’s polite deflection tactic when fielding questions on the transfer window.
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In recent weeks I’ve been looking to the treatment room to get people back,’ Jackett said after the weekend win over Barnsley, completely ignoring the question about whether he’d be able to spend Pompey’s growing cash pot from their cup run on players along the way.

‘We took three players at the start of January which is the best way to do it if you can.

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‘If we’d got it wrong through January it would’ve been a long way back at this stage.

‘We’re pleased with the additions. We’ve got Hackett-Fairchild to come and Seddon and McGeehan have made an impression.

‘After that, I’m looking for some big players to come back out of the physio room.’

It’s been a point Jackett’s regularly returned to this month, with the fact Pompey’s injuries are clearing great news for his squad options as they prepare to head into the eye of the fixture storm approaching.

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But perhaps it means less excitement for those fans eagerly anticipating a busy deadline day.

Jack Whatmough is among the players who's recently left the treatment room. Picture:  PinPep Media / Joe PeplerJack Whatmough is among the players who's recently left the treatment room. Picture:  PinPep Media / Joe Pepler
Jack Whatmough is among the players who's recently left the treatment room. Picture: PinPep Media / Joe Pepler

The manager remains interested in a centre-back who can operate on the left of defence and possesses the powerful attributes he craves.

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Perhaps lightening a player or two from his options now will become necessary for different reasons, however.

You only had to look at the squad at Lincoln to see why that was so.

Jackett was able to name an 18-man selection which didn’t include six first-team players at Sincil Bank.

Oli Hawkins, Pitman, Brandon Haunstrup, Downing and Reeco Hackett-Fairchild were left at home, with Gareth Evans looking on as the 19th man.

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And with Adam May on trial at Crawley after returning from Swindon and Bryn Morris the sole first-teamer in the treatment room, the squad suddenly appears awash with options.

In fact, the challenge for Jackett will now be maintaining harmony among a roster of 25 with a swathe of senior players not getting changed.

That leaves the door ajar for an exit or two if the late interest was to arrive.

The truism from the Blues manager that a player is bought not sold rings true here, however.

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But with the season firmly on an upwards curve and at least a couple of bodies in every position, it means those of a Pompey inclination may be able to largely stay clear of the Sky Sports News deadline-day hooplah.

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