Portsmouth boss issues challenge to former Charlton man Reeco Hackett-Fairchild

The forward has made just a solitary appearance since arriving from Bromley for an undisclosed fee last month.

That came in the EFL Trophy victory at Walsall, with the Blues working on improving his fitness levels since.

Hackett-Fairchild has yet to be included in a league match-day squad, although he’s been 19th man on several occasions.

The former Charlton man has caught Kenny Jackett’s eye in training, however

Now the boss wants Hackett-Fairchild to impact Pompey's chase for Championship football.

Jackett said: ‘Reeco has been coming along well and has been around the squad all of the time.

‘He’ll be frustrated, though, because obviously he wants to play, but it’s a good and competitive club.

‘He’s been fine and has worked hard. Now he’ll be pushing for a place in the squad and pushing to start.

‘I think he is 100 per cent up to full fitness. It’s been a tough one for him because he’s been 19th man lately, which no-one wants to be.

‘Then he has to be ready because things can change pretty quickly in football, he can be in the match-day 18 and on the pitch.

‘His attitude has been good, his quality has been good in training and now he has to keep pushing those boys that are in the team.

‘I do think that (he could make an impact in League One). Looking at his frame, his talent level and the fact that he’s a left-footed forward is a good thing.

‘Any of the three positions behind the striker the I think he is comfortable in.’

Hackett-Fairchild is under contract at Fratton Park until the summer of 2022, with the club holding an option for a further 12 months.