Kenny Jackett won't hesitate to change Portsmouth line-up during pre-season if necessary

Kenny Jackett named a similar Pompey line-up against UCD to what he envisages will begin the League One campaign but insisted: I won’t hesitate to change it if things aren’t right.
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler

Jackett named two different sides in both halves at the UCD Bowl.

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It was the team which featured in the first period that is seemingly earmarked to kick-off the upcoming campaign at Shrewsbury on August 3.

It included summer arrivals James Bolton, Paul Downing, Sean Raggett, Ross McCrorie and Ellis Harrison, while there was also a spot in the number-10 role for Louis Dennis.

They took a 5-0 lead into the interval before the side which came out after the break – featuring players such as Christian Burgess, Ben Close, Gareth Evans and skipper Brett Pitman – continued the routing by adding six more.

With six friendlies still remaining before the third-tier curtain-raiser at New Meadow, however, Jackett stressed he will make switches if he feels they’re necessary.

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The manager said: ‘People have asked me about selection patterns in pre-season.

‘I won’t lie, I want some patterns and don’t mix it up too much because I want the team to get into a rhythm.

‘But it’s not that I wouldn’t change it if it doesn’t look right throughout pre-season.

‘When people say there are a lot of similarities to where you start then, I won’t lie, it is in my thinking.

‘But if that doesn’t look right then I won’t hesitate to change it.’

Pompey are back in action when they travel to the Hawks on Saturday (3pm).