Kenny Jackett has faith in current Portsmouth options despite scouring market for alternatives in key position

But if that search fails to come up trumps, the Pompey manager admitted he has options within his existing squad he is more than comfortable relying on.

The position in Jackett’s favoured 4-2-3-1 system is one that continues to evade a permanent occupier – despite three seasons of trying.

Over the past year alone, Andy Cannon, John Marquis and Marcus Harness have been given the chance to shine there.

All three enjoyed varying degrees of success, with the latter scoring against Oxford in the League One play-offs last month when handed a rare start in the spot behind the lone striker.

Gareth Evans has also been utilised in the key role under Jackett’s reign.

However, the number 10 position in the team continues to be one that no-one has made their own – hence the manager’s willingness to assess the market for would-be candidates.

It’s a search which ultimately saw the Blues cool their interest in Cameron McGeehan.

The former loanee was fancied in some quarters to make a loan move back to Fratton Park, after spending the second half of last season with the Blues from Barnsley.

Yet, he has since signed for Belgian top-flight side KV Oostende as Pompey turned their attentions elsewhere.

It’s still unclear what direction that interest will take Jackett.

But if it comes to no avail, the manager insisted he’d be happy with his current choices available.

The manager told The News: ‘I think Andy Cannon has played there quite well and in the play-off games Marcus Harness did, too.

‘I do think Marcus Harness is very capable and can score a high number of goals from there.

‘Is it something that interests you? Yes, possibly.

‘But in terms of our squad, we have Gareth Evans, Andy Cannon and Marcus Harness who can play there.’