Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett reveals where focus lies as transfer window deadline looms

Kenny Jackett admitted he’s currently focusing on getting players back from injury rather than adding to his squad via the January transfer window.
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The Blues have added three players to their rota this month – the loan signings of Steve Seddon (Birmingham) and Cameron McGeehan (Barnsley), plus the permanent arrival of Reeco Hackett-Fairchild (Bromley).

Meanwhile, Anton Walkes (Atlanta United) and Luke McGee (Bradford) have both gone in the opposite direction by ending their time at Fratton Park.

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Those moves have ensured a busy January to date, with Pompey also being linked with further defensive reinforcements at both right-back and centre-back.

But with players also coming back from injury, Jackett said he’s keen to concentrate on their availability at this moment in time and not reinforcements from elsewhere.

Ryan Williams returned to the Pompey match-day squad for Saturday’s trip to Bolton following a groin injury.

Brandon Haunstrup was also included for a second successive week after undergoing surgery on his knee.

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Jack Whatmough awaits his first-team return after being named on the bench against both Bolton and AFC Wimbledon following his knee problem.

Pompey boss Kenny Jackett.  Picture: Daniel ChestertonPompey boss Kenny Jackett.  Picture: Daniel Chesterton
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Daniel Chesterton

Meanwhile, Ross McCrorie (hamstring) and Lee Brown (Achilles) are also closing in on their respective comebacks following injury.

When asked today if he expects a busy week on the transfer front, Jackett said: ‘It will be pretty quiet on both fronts (incomings and outgoings).

‘After bringing three players in at the start of January, the last week or so I've just been looking for players coming out of my treatment room and seeing if they can help us, which they have.

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'They've given us some competition, some balance and, in terms of the first team, some quality.’

The transfer window closes on Friday, January 31, at 11pm.

Mark Catlin told the club's YouTube channel last week that money was still available for new signings.

However, any further additions would have to be able to improve the Blues' starting XI.

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