Michael Jacobs outlines his Portsmouth fitness picture as wait for full debut goes on

The Blues new attacking talisman had to be content with a place on the bench in yesterday’s disappointing 0-0 draw at Rochdale.

Jacobs was introduced on 66 minutes, after not being named in the squad which lost at Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.

The 28-year-old hasn’t played a game in pre-season but explained he’s comfortable with his current condition.

He said: ‘Leaving Wigan was quite difficult with their situation, so I’ve spent a couple of weeks at home.

‘So just getting back to training properly takes a bit of time with the lack of pre-season games.

‘Coming into the group I haven’t played any pre-season games, so it’s a matter of trying to build my training and game time.

‘I just needed to get a good couple of days’ training.

‘I feel really good but it’s just taking my time and making sure I’m ready to go when I do come on.

‘It was a matter of just a little bit too soon for Brighton on Thursday but it was nice to get back out there.

‘I did a little bit of training with Wigan in pre-season and as time went on it materialised I wasn’t going to get a contract there, because they were in administration and they weren’t in a position to do it.

‘So I just felt it was better that I didn’t go in.

‘It wasn’t anything to do with them, but I just felt if there wasn’t going to be a contract I would keep fit at home, but that’s nothing like training with the group.

‘So it’s just been a matter of coming here and getting enough training under my belt to come, but I feel really good.’

Jacobs believes a degree of his match fitness and sharpness will now come from game time, with the attacking talent eyeing next Saturday’s clash with his former club Wigan to build up his action.

He added: ‘It’s been a couple of months since I played. That’s been the main issue.

‘I felt good coming in and it’s been nice to get out there, but that was my situation.

‘I’m a fit lad anyway, but when I come on I not only have to help but build my fitness up.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage.

You can subscribe here to get the latest updates from Fratton Park, transfer news and expert analysis from our team of Pompey writers.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism on your behalf for our city.