Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett reveals latest on defensive recruitment position and stance on Paul Downing's future

But the Blues boss vowed he’s not prepared to leave his options at the back exposed as his side chase a place in the Championship.

Jackett explained a possible scenario where the out-of-favour defender could leave this month, with no club yet to register interest in the 28-year-old.

Pompey have been heavily linked with a new centre-back, with former Ipswich defender Tommy Smith the latest name to be mentioned.

Jackett denied interest in the man who recently left MLS side Colorado Rapids with two weeks to go until the transfer window closes.

But he acknowledged Downing is in a difficult situation as he finds himself on the fringes after arriving from Blackburn in the summer.

Jackett would loathe to leave himself short of cover, however, with eyes firmly on the promotion prize.

Although, a move for Downing could change matters.

The manager said: ‘I haven’t talked to him about that (Downing leaving if a replacement can be found).

‘My way is if someone phones up and puts an offer in that’s when it starts. Until they do then nothing happens.

‘We’re professional with him and it will only start when someone phones up about him or, more importantly, puts an offer on the table. That hasn’t happened yet.

‘You can say you want people out, but it doesn’t work that way. Other people buy them.

‘He’s frustrated. He’s come to play and he hasn’t played.

‘Similarly, we’re in three competitions and need either three or four centre-backs. For us, we don’t want to be coming off that at a vital time.

‘He’s a really good guy and a good professional in the way he works. That underpins it quite a bit, but under that he’s frustrated.

‘He would want to and does want to play. He’s of an age where he doesn’t want to be sat on the sidelines – but nobody does.

‘Similarly, for us we can’t leave ourselves short in any area with the games we’ve got coming up.

‘We’ve rearranged the games against Doncaster and MK, but if we get through in the cups they go and are pushed back.

‘It’s good and an exciting time with a lot of Tuesday games but we’ve got to make sure we have enough.’

Despite all the talk of defensive reinforcements at the back, Jackett insisted he’s comfortable with what he can currently call on at the back with Jack Whatmough now back in contention.

When asked if he was looking for a new central defender, he said: ‘Not particularly with Jack coming back. That ups our competition.

‘He’s got confidence in his knee now and doesn’t need time off.

‘I do feel Christian Burgess and Sean Raggett’s goals-against record and wins together has been good.

‘Behind those three guys Paul Downing has to keep pushing.

‘He hasn’t had many opportunities yet, but they are the four competitors.’