Goalkeeper loan exit earmarked to boost Portsmouth squad vacancies to four

The American is among 19 senior players who count towards the squad maximum of 22, as dictated by salary cap changes.

However, should their third-choice keeper not be included, it will leave the Blues with 18 – and four spaces.

Turnbull has been trialling with the Hawks, featuring in two pre-season friendlies as well as attending training.

Irrespective of whether a loan move with Paul Doswell’s side materialises, Jackett is hopeful the keeper can find regular non-league football to boost his development – and Pompey squad flexibility.

The Blues boss told The News: ‘I’m very confident with our two goalkeepers and the natural thing would be to loan out Duncan for experience.

‘We are restricted (for size). We have 19 senior players, which includes three goalkeepers.

‘So let’s say, by the end, we register two goalkeepers. That will leave us with a squad of 18 that are aged 21 and over.

‘Two of Saturday’s subs – Alfie Stanley and Haji Monga – are younger and don’t count.

‘If we say numbers are 18, that leaves us with a maximum of four places, but I don’t want to be in a situation where I am taking four just for the sake of it.

‘We’ll see where Duncan goes. He’s had a couple of games for Havant and some training sessions.

‘For him it’s getting some pre-season games, which will do him good.’

Turnbull appeared in the Hawks’ 5-1 win at Horndean on Saturday, although was listed on their team sheet as ‘Triallist A’.

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