Door open for Brett Pitman return against Oxford United on crucial day for Portsmouth's play-off hopes

And the door has been left ajar for the striker to make an unlikely comeback into the fray against Oxford United next week.

Pitman is set to sign a short-term extension to his contract to cover the play-offs, despite being left firmly in the cold by Kenny Jackett.

That means the 32-year-old could conceivably return to the fold and - it appears Jackett wants to have that option at his disposal.

The News understands Pitman is certainly open to doing so, but it appears there’s still a distance to travel to make that a reality.

Despite that, Jackett is refusing to rule out calling on his finishing quality with the rest of today to secure his play-off squad.

Jackett said: ‘It’s a similar situation to where it was last week (with Pitman).

‘We’ve got quite a number of forwards with Harrison with Marquis and Ronan Curtis.

‘There’s Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, Marcus Harness, Ryan Williams and Oli Hawkins.

‘There’s several players there for three or four positions and they’re all doing well.

‘But similarly Brett is there and over the next couple of weeks I won’t hesitate to use him if I think it’s right to do so.’

Pitman has been training away from the Blues’ Roko base on and off since the start of the year, and Jackett confirmed that he’s still not with the rest of the group.

The Pompey boss has shown he’s prepared to bring the former Ipswich man into the picture if he feels that’s the best thing to do, however.

That was seen last season when he was out of favour but returned to help his side to eight wins on the bounce with a six-goal return - including lifting the Checkatrade Trophy at Wembley.

Pitman was also an unused sub in three of the final four games before the season was suspended.

Jackett added: ‘He hasn’t been in training and those guys are ahead of him - and I’m pleased with how they’re doing.

‘But similarly it is an option for me if I need it. If the situation arises I will use him.

‘You do never know, but we’ve come through these games well and get through to next Friday with as many players as fit and available as possible for that weekend.’

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