Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett knows his priorities - but Blues still targeting Cup progress against Barnsley

Kenny Jackett re-emphasised that the league takes top priority for Pompey.
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But the Blues boss admitted he’ll still be doing all he can to book the Blues’ passage into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The Fratton Park outfit play host to Championship Barnsley on Saturday (3pm) as they look to extend their involvement in this year’s competition.

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Ten days will have lapsed since their last League One outing (Bolton) and Tuesday night’s visit to Lincoln.

And while Pompey could slip to eighth in the table ahead of that trip to Sincil Bank – this weekend sees a near full League One fixture programme – Jackett said the visit of Barnsley still represented a ‘big day’ in the Blues’ season.

The manager said: ‘It’s not as important as the league – none of the cup competitions are.

‘But when they come around you want to do well.

‘They’re big days, second half of the season, you try to win, get in the draw and try to get one of the big teams.

Pompey boss Kenny JackettPompey boss Kenny Jackett
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett
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‘This is a big one as well, with a Championship side coming down to Fratton Park.

‘But they’re one-off days and big challenges, and you have to do everything you can to get through and try to win.’

Pompey could be without James Bolton for the visit of the Tykes.

He limped off during Tuesday’s EFL Trophy win against Scunthorpe with a thigh problem and is rated '50-50’ for Saturday.

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Meanwhile, Ross McCrorie is unlikely to feature despite his return from parent club Rangers following a hamstring injury.

When asked about injuries at his pre-match press conference, Jackett said: ‘The only one we have is Bolton, who came off early on Tuesday.

‘Whether he’ll be fit enough for Saturday and be available, it’s 50-50 at the moment.

‘Ross McCrorie is back training with us but, realistically, I’m more going to consider him for Lincoln on Tuesday.’

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