Kenny Jackett on his Portsmouth squad after a quiet deadline day and potentially signing free agents

Kenny Jackett insists he's happy with his Pompey squad after not making a deadline-day signing.
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But the Blues boss did not rule out recruiting a free agent with one spot in his set-up remaining.

Pompey opted not to bolster their ranks before last Friday's 5pm cut-off point.

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In total, the Blues made five signings this summer. Sean Raggett, Callum Johnson and Michael Jacobs arrived permanently while Cam Pring and Rasmus Nicolaisen were recruited on season-long loan deals.

Ben Thompson was Jackett’s number-one target during the latter stages of the transfer window, although Millwall would not allow the midfielder to return to Fratton Park.

Pompey opted not to bring in an alternative option to the Fratton favourite, either.

However, Jackett says he is pleased how is squad looks. And that includes his engine room, despite his side’s frustrating start to the League One season continuing with a 1-0 loss to Doncaster on Saturday.

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He said: ‘We have built and we do think that we have a good squad.

Pompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler

‘We want that to transmit to league positions and wins now.

‘I'm happy with what I've got. We've got a really committed group and with quality.

‘You could see the quality on Saturday but fair play to Doncaster.

‘They defended very well because it was a rearguard action for the majority of it and fair play to their centre-halves.

Ellis Harrison limped off injured against Doncaster - leaving Pompey down to one striker as things stand. Picture: Joe PeplerEllis Harrison limped off injured against Doncaster - leaving Pompey down to one striker as things stand. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ellis Harrison limped off injured against Doncaster - leaving Pompey down to one striker as things stand. Picture: Joe Pepler

‘I'm happy with the midfielders that I have got.

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‘In terms of Saturday, Andy Cannon and Ben Close put good performances in and played well.’

Those worries were laid bare when Ellis Harrison limped off against Doncaster with a hamstring injury.

It leaves John Marquis as the only senior option if Harrison's setback keeps him sidelined for a sustained period.

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Under new salary cap restrictions, Pompey can have 22 players above the age of 21.

As they won't register keeper Duncan Turnball, the Blues currently have a berth open.

Although the transfer window is closed, free agents can still be recruited.

Jackett feels the likes of Marcus Harness and Ronan Curtis can do a job up front, while Pompey can recall Reeco Hackett-Fairchild from Bromley if required.

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Should the Blues require another out-and-out marksman, Jackett didn't rule out bringing in a non-contracted player.

He added: ‘It's either a glute or a hamstring with Ellis. Hopefully, he won't be out too long.

‘We won't really know until later and we'll see.

‘We have Marcus Harness and we have Ronan Curtis who can play up there and have Reeco Hackett-Fairchild who we can recall as well.

‘We'll see if we will recall him. For Hackett-Fairchild, he needs to get fit and get playing, which he needs to start doing.

‘We've still got one place left in our squad. We'll have to see about any free agents.’