More to come - Joe Gallen assesses ex-Wigan man Michael Jacobs' early Portsmouth impact

Certainly Joe Gallen is sensing Michael Jacobs’ Pompey input is rising with each appearance he is granted.

The versatile attacking midfielder arrived at Fratton Park without a game since June.

After representing Wigan in the Championship finale, Jacobs departed on a free transfer, although continued to train with the Latics.

Crucially, when he signed for Pompey in mid-September, he hadn’t featured in a match at any level for two-and-a-half months. Not so much as a friendly.

Kenny Jackett has wasted no time introducing a player he previously managed at Wolves into the Blues’ side.

A debut from the bench at Rochdale has been followed by three successive Pompey starts.

And, according to Joe Gallen, who was also with Jacobs at Wolves, the 28-year-old is edging closer to that prized match sharpness.

Pompey’s assistant manager told The News: ‘Michael has got out of this league three times, playing in some very good teams, and is very experienced.

‘Coming to us, he hadn’t the pre-season he would have liked, but for him to play those match minutes in the last few games will have done him the world of good.

‘There’s a lot of quality around him. It’s his touches, running with the ball, he is able to score, he can create, he has a good confidence level about him and will just carry on should he make a mistake.

‘I think Michael has played pretty well so far – and I do think there’s more to come.

‘As the season goes on and his full match fitness rises, we'll be able to see even more.

‘He’s an intelligent player, he can pick the ball up and run with it, his passing is very good, he sees things first time. He plays forward passes.

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‘As Michael gets fitter, they’ll be more of those attacking elements that I’m talking about, we’ll be able to see them even more.

‘Without a pre-season it can be tough to get going quickly.’

Jacobs made 32 appearances for Wigan last season, of which 19 came as starts.

Now, with four matches in 21 days, Gallen can see the gradual improvement he anticipated.

He added: ‘When Michael came to us, he hadn't played any games at all, his first time on the pitch was against Rochdale.

‘He’s a naturally fit lad, but you do need the games for your own fitness and confidence levels.

‘He will get them and those recent appearances will bring him on quickly.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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