Ex-Leeds, Tottenham and Millwall man's chief Portsmouth remit outlined

]Nigel Gibbs, left, is helping out at Pompey in Kenny Jackett's absence. Picture: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Nigel Gibbs can help shore up Pompey’s defensive issues after their wretched Bristol Rovers display.

That is the verdict of Joe Gallen as the former Leeds and Millwall coach comes to the Blues’ aid from this morning.

Kenny Jackett underwent an operation yesterday to have a mole removed from his forearm.

Having watched the 3-1 loss at Rovers from home on Tuesday night, Pompey's boss will be absent for a further two weeks.

During his recovery, Jackett has sought the services of Gibbs to lend a hand to assistant-manager Gallen and first-team coach Jake Wigley.

Gallen is confident the ex-Watford right-back can impart valuable knowledge – particularly to the back four as Pompey seek League One promotion.

‘Nigel will be in with us this morning and at the game on Saturday,’ said Gallen.

‘I've known Nigel for a long time and always followed his career – not only his playing career but his coaching career.

‘He has been at numerous clubs. When we were at Millwall, we played at Reading a lot when he was there and he is very experienced and level-headed.

‘He's been standing on the sidelines for the past 15 years so will bring a lot of experience.

'Having an extra body coming in will help, especially on a match-day, because he was a very good player.

‘He was a very good defender and will be able to help out with that side. He'll be able to talk to the defenders prior to the game and at half-time.

‘This morning, he will be in observing and out on the training ground. The remit will be, as he says: "Joe, you tell me what to do and I'll go and do it".

‘He is very confident so whatever I throw at him, he will be fine.’

Jackett has had various coaches such as Stuart Pearce and Peter Taylor put on ad-hoc training sessions while in the Fratton Park hot seat.

Gibbs hasn’t been able to do so as he’s been employed elsewhere during the Pompey boss’ reign.

Gallen added: ‘Nigel hasn't come to take a session at Pompey, mainly because he's always been working.

'He was at Swansea then been out in Belgium with Paul Clement.

‘But at other clubs Kenny has been at, he has come in.’