How modern technology can help Portsmouth continue to unearth European talents

The Blues dipped into the continental market when recruiting Rasmus Nicolaisen on a season-long loan from FC Midtjylland last week.

The centre-back was only the third senior player Kenny Jackett has signed outside the traditional hunting grounds of England and Scotland.

Ronan Curtis was brought in from League of Ireland outfit Derry City in June 2018, while American keeper Duncan Turnbull penned a one-year deal in March after a successful trial period.

After missing out on targets such as Charlie Mulgrew and Harry Souttar, Pompey's search for a left-footed centre-back took them to Denmark.

Nicolaisen had been on the Blues' radar for some time before they decided to make a swoop.

Kenny Jackett revealed how platforms such as Wyscout allow clubs to search for specific attributes they’re looking for before then profiling players.

And the boss reckons it can continue to be an asset going forward.

Jackett said: ‘Technology is such an asset and does help you.

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‘It allows you to target and pinpoint certain areas that you want rather than working in a smaller radius.

‘It can be difficult for foreign players adjusting to a different type of football, but you factor that in when you make your judgement and when you're bringing them into your club.

‘English football is becoming more and more attractive. A club and the stadium of Portsmouth is attractive.

‘There will be a lot of players coming in from abroad to League One.

‘We need to make sure to then, at the right time, bring a player in from abroad to be a good option and it will be going forward for all clubs.’

Head of European scouting Roberto Gagliardi was the man to spot Nicolaisen and did his homework on the former Denmark youth international.

Meanwhile, head of recruitment Phil Boardman played a crucial role in bringing Curtis to PO4.

The winger has proven to be a shrewd acquisition, having scored 27 times in 99 appearances since arriving from Derry City for around £100,000.

Jackett believes that Boardman and Gagliardi have built up a solid understanding of the European market that can continue to prove fruitful.

He added: ‘For us, Phil and Roberto have been together for the best part of three seasons now and built up good knowledge in these areas.’

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