Kenny Jackett's verdict on James Bolton's fitness and if he's ready to feature for Portsmouth in League One

James Bolton is ‘100-per-cent ready’ to challenge for a League One starting spot.
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Kenny Jackett insists the right-back is up to speed following his early-season setbacks.

Bolton arrived at Pompey on a free transfer from Shrewsbury this summer and signed a three-year deal.

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However, a groin injury in pre-season followed by an ankle problem he suffered in the curtain-raiser defeat at his former club has hampered the opening to his Blues career.

The ex-Gateshead defender was an unused substitute for the 2-2 draw with Burton on Tuesday, with Christian Burgess continuing on the right-hand side of defence.

But Burgess' attacking deficiencies were exposed in the makeshift role against the Brewers and was required to do too much with the ball.

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Pompey are desperately seeking just a second league win at Wycombe on Saturday.

James Bolton. Picture: Joe PeplerJames Bolton. Picture: Joe Pepler
James Bolton. Picture: Joe Pepler

And Bolton is in the frame to feature from the outset.

Blues boss Jackett said: ‘I do think he is ready and has to be pushing Christian Burgess for that right-back slot.

‘His performances have been fine. He has been a bit stop-start but was fine on Saturday.

‘He has had two good seasons at right-back in this division – one of those he got to the play-off final.

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‘James is 25 and quite an experienced player. He knows what League One is about, which is a good thing, and 100 per cent is ready to go.

‘He’s an experienced player at this level and played right wing-back for Shrewsbury last season.

‘I’d want both things out of him (attacking and defending). James can do a little bit of both.’

Anton Walkes is also an option for Pompey at right-back, although he’s also capable of functioning in central midfield.

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Jackett added: ‘Walkes as well is competing for the place, although I used him in midfield coming on at Blackpool where he did well and against Norwich.

‘He’s been a utility player for us, mainly at right-back when Nathan Thompson was injured last season, but can fill in if we get injuries in midfield.

‘He also played left-back in the play-offs at Sunderland as well and didn’t let us down.’

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