Kenny Jackett addresses Bryn Morris' Portsmouth future as transfer window nears

The 24-year-old has not been selected for three of Pompey’s last four League One squads, while his most recent league start arrived at the beginning of October.

Instead Tom Naylor and Andy Cannon are fixtures as Jackett’s preferred central-midfield pairing, while Ben Close recently shone in the Papa John’s Trophy.

With Pompey’s squad at its maximum of 22, players must leave or not be registered to enable January transfer window recruitment.

But Jackett is adamant Morris, who is out of contract in the summer, isn’t a player he is seeking to offload.

He told The News: ‘Bryn was not a sub on Tuesday night against Fleetwood, he needs to keep working hard.

‘In terms of the midfield area it is one which is settled with Tom Naylor and Andy Cannon. Ben Close and Bryn are very good players and, when they get their chance, both are capable of taking it.

‘Bryn leaving in January is not something we have talked about, no.

‘We want to include everybody and push to be as strong as we possibly can – and that is always outside the starting XI as well.

‘Where obviously the league is our priority, we are playing in two other cup competitions as well and every member of the squad is absolutely vital.

‘In terms of January, it’s very difficult to tell exactly what will happen, it very much depends on who phones, if anybody.

‘But it (Morris) is not one we will be inviting or transfer listing.

‘Bryn provides us with some depth and when he’s called upon will be ready. He’s a very capable and experienced player.’

Morris has made 27 appearances and scored once since his January 2019 arrival from Shrewsbury.

Jackett added: ‘Bryn’s a very committed player and very, very fit. He looks after himself professionally very, very well.

‘At the moment our midfield is settled, but that can change very, very quickly.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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