Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett explains why Michael Jacobs didn't feature at Brighton - but new boy in contention for Rochdale trip

However, the manager said the attacking-midfielder – signed on Monday on a free transfer – would be in contention to make his Blues debut at Rochdale on Sunday.

Pompey fans were hoping to get their first glimpse of the former Wigan ace in action as the Blues travelled to the Amex Stadium in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

But they were left disappointed, with Jacobs not in the match-day squad for the tie, which the visitors lost 4-0.

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Jackett said the 28-year-old failed to feature as he was playing catch-up with his fitness and didn’t want to rush him.

Yet, he confirmed the newest member of the Pompey ranks – who he believes will be a big player for the Blues this season – will be in his plans for the trip to Spotland.

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The manager said: ‘I felt Michael needed a full week’s training at least.

‘While he has done some pre-season work at Wigan, he hasn’t played any games and I don’t want to rush him.

‘He has trained with us this week and it has given us an opportunity to get a few more days training into him to make sure that when he does come in he’s not just ready but he stays in, because we feel he can be a big player for us.

‘He will be in contention for Rochdale.

‘We just have to exercise some caution, my plan was to give the full week’s training and then make the assessment at the end.’

At Brighton Marcus Harness started in the No10 role which Jacobs is expected to fill, after he replaced Gareth Evans in Jackett’s starting line-up.

However, the former Burton man could be shifted back out to the right-wing to accommodate the Pompey new boy.

Right-back Callum Johnson is expected to return to the Blues team at Rochdale after he was cup-tied for the trip to the Amex.

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