Kenny Jackett open-minded as Portsmouth goalkeeper hunt crosses the Atlantic

Kenny Jackett is remaining open-minded as he seeks to bolster Pompey’s goalkeeping ranks.
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The Blues are in the hunt for a third keeper to add to their books, following the departures of Luke McGee and Petar Durin.

That search has already brought Lewes’ Taylor Seymour to their attention, with the 18-year-old currently training with the Blues.

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The University of Notre Dame stopper has been handed two days with the Blues, while staying with family in the Portsmouth area.

Measuring at 6ft 7in and aged 21, Turnbull has the chance to impress in a position Pompey are keen to strengthen.

Jackett and goalkeeping coach John Keeley will now run the rule over the youngster, who was last month selected by Houston Dynamos in the third round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft.

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Jackett said: ‘Today was his first day. He is from Chicago, has family in Portsmouth which he is staying with, and will be on trial today and tomorrow.

Duncan Turnbull.  Picture: Mike Miller/Fighting Irish MediaDuncan Turnbull.  Picture: Mike Miller/Fighting Irish Media
Duncan Turnbull. Picture: Mike Miller/Fighting Irish Media

‘A contact of John Keeley, our goalkeeping coach, has recommended Duncan. He has played at college level and been in the education system.

‘With Petar going, we have the two seasoned ones, with Leon Pitman coming back from injury and Luke McGee going to Bradford on loan.

‘Are we open in that area for a young keeper? We are definitely.

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‘Taylor Seymour is also around and in the education system for the rest of the season, he has been training with us three days a week and playing several games.’

Duncan Turnbull in action for Notre Dame against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.  Picture: Brian Westerholt/Sports On FilmDuncan Turnbull in action for Notre Dame against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.  Picture: Brian Westerholt/Sports On Film
Duncan Turnbull in action for Notre Dame against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Picture: Brian Westerholt/Sports On Film

Pompey presently have Craig MacGillivray and Alex Bass fighting it out for the number-one spot.

Elsewhere, academy keeper Leon Pitman is still sporting strapping on his right wrist following injury and is not yet ready to return.

Seymour has been trialling with the Blues since the turn of the year – and now he has been joined by Turnbull.

Jackett added: ‘Duncan spent the first hour of today’s training with John (Keeley) and then came in for a 6-v-6 with the pros.

‘He did well.’

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