Joe Gallen admits Kenny Jackett's Portsmouth appearance today took him by surprise

The Pompey boss was expected to be away from the first-team set-up for around two weeks as he required ‘rest and recuperation’ following a medical procedure on Thursday.

Gallen was under that impression, too, as he took temporary charge of the Blackpool fixture at PO4.

So he was surprised as anyone inside Fratton as the manager appeared before kick-off to watch the same from behind the dugout.

The boss will not have liked what he witnessed as the hosts slumped to a second consecutive defeat and their fourth in seven outings.

It’s a result which leaves Pompey fifth in the table and seven points outside the automatic promotion places.

SEE ALSO: Gallen admits Pompey’s promotion bid is faltering off the back of a lack of attacking creativity

However, Gallen admitted at least something positive came from the game – proof that the manager is well after a 'successful’ operation.

When asked how Jackett was, Gallen told BBC Solent: ‘He’s just the normal, same Kenny, really.

‘He done amazing to have an operation like that on Thursday and then to be here today, which was a a bit of a surprise as I hadn’t spoken to him since Wednesday or Thursday.

‘So for him to come back, it takes a lot to keep Kenny away from this football club.

‘I’m very surprised but very, very pleased to see him.

‘Obviously, his operation has been successful, he looks absolutely fine, he’s just normal Kenny and I did say he would be back sooner rather than later.

‘But even I didn’t think it would be this quick.’