Danny Cowley makes admission over Man Utd and Chelsea triallists ahead of upcoming Portsmouth reserve game

Regular coronavirus testing and a drop in cases across the country means the Blues can now arrange games for their fringe players and youngsters much easier.

After wins over Luton and Millwall, the reserves play Stevenage tomorrow.

During Kenny Jackett's final week as manager, Manchester United defender Taylor and Chelsea midfielder Ekwah trained with the Blues before both impressing against Luton.

Following his arrival as head coach, Cowley held talks with head of recruitment Phil Boardman about the Premier League duo and was keen to cast his eye over them.

And that remains the case.

Asked if there's still temptation to have a look at Taylor and Ekwah, Cowley said: ‘Yes, there is. Whenever you can try before you buy then it always helps the recruitment.

‘Recruitment is about 80 per cent of the job. We know you can't eliminate the risk but you can minimalise it with intelligent work.

‘There is no better than to see a player in your own environment. If you can do that, it's a great opportunity.

‘They have been in and the aim is for us to have a look at them in our environment.

‘With any transfer, there is not just two organisations, unfortunately. There are always a number of parties involved.’

Cowley reckons picking up young talents who are surplus to requirements at club’s with Category One academies is key to Pompey’s future plans.

He added: ‘Category One academy stockpile players because they're so scared about missing out on players and get everyone in their own building.

‘Sometimes, I worry whether they actually have the capacity to develop them all.

‘Sometimes, you get players who get in each other's way which naturally happens.

‘As a consequence, they become available. What we have to do is be aware of them all and any good fits, we're on top of and hopefully show them about Portsmouth Football Club.

‘This club is an easy sell and we're in a good position in that respect.

‘We want to show them we have a vision for the players and how we'll move them forward in the next stepping stone of their career.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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