How Kenny Jackett plans to continue picking Portsmouth team while signed off for health reasons

And the Blues boss will also use technology to deliver motivational talks to his team, including during half-time.

On Thursday, the 59-year-old will undergo an operation to remove a mole from his forearm.

The procedure is anticipated to put him out of action for two weeks, signalling his absence from Fratton Park and the training ground.

In the meantime, assistant manager Joe Gallen and first-team coach Jake Wigley will oversee first-team duties.

They will be assisted by Jackett’s former Watford team-mate Nigel Gibbs, who has previously worked at Reading, Leeds, Swansea and Millwall in coaching capacities.

Yet Jackett still plans to remain involved during his recovery.

He told The News: ‘People tell me Steve Cotterill has been doing it from hospital and his results have been pretty good!

‘On a separate note, I do wish Steve all the best.

‘It won’t be a lot different to a Zoom call. They are very common now, we all use them on a regular basis and there’s a telephone link.

‘I would also continue to pick the team. Between myself and Joe, we will be going through a similar process, so I would expect that to remain.

‘I’ll have to see when I get there and, obviously, depending on how I feel, but I do expect to recover quickly and be okay.

‘Modern technology is available.’

Jackett will take the Blues for tomorrow night’s trip to Bristol Rovers, seeking to improve on their League One placing of fourth.

Despite his impending absence, the former Wolves boss has stressed the importance of maintaining routine for his promotion-hunting players.

That will consist of him continuing to remain involved, irrespective of his post-operation isolation.

Although Jackett admits he will not truly know whether he will be able to contribute until the time arrives.

He added: ‘It’s hard to know what days and exactly where and when until I get there.

‘It’s very difficult, you take each day along the way.

‘Although I fully intended to be in touch and involved.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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