Portsmouth boss gives insight into how players are dealing with positive coronavirus tests

And the Blues boss made it clear the primary working focus of everyone at Fratton Park now has to be to maintain the fitness and health of the first-team squad.

Jackett has seen five of his squad contract Covid-19 as the pandemic grips the globe and sees the football season grind to a halt.

Ross McCrorie was the last of those to do so after the players were tested last week, following on from Andy Cannon, Haji Mnoga, James Bolton and Sean Raggett returning positive tests in earlier results.

It’s uncharted territory for Jackett and his staff as they face managing a scenario unlike any they’ve encountered.

But he has been impressed by the manner in which his players at the heart of the story have taken what they’ve faced in their strides.

Speaking before McCrorie tested positive, Jackett said: ‘It’s not a nice thing to happen.

‘You read about it, but there’s not a lot of data to go on.

‘But you also work off how they are feeling and everyone is trying to support the lads.

‘They’ve been okay anyway and I’ve spoken to them and they are in good spirits.

‘At the moment they are fine, showing no symptoms and are positive in their outlooks.’

The health of not just the players but all staff has been the number one priority of Pompey as they manage the crisis scenario they’ve encountered.

But Jackett remains firm on the fact that, from a professional standpoint, all energy has to be focussed on players being able to stay fit and strong – both away from the club and on their returns.

He added: ‘What has been quickly split up is the office and the office staff.

‘That’s important and then in terms of the youth team and youth football it’s also closed until further notice.

‘While they’re all a big part of the club, the important thing is we keep the players fit and as ready as possible.

‘That’s a big thing and the most important thing.

‘They are all very, very supportive in making sure the numbers in terms of the chance of infection are reduced.

‘We’re making sure we clean places and, as and when we get back, we get the place clean, keep it clean and minimalise the amount of people and contact.

‘That’s going to be important for what looks to be some considerable amount of time.

‘The most important thing is we tick over behind the scenes and support the players in doing that.’