Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett shares thoughts on League One promotion and what his players need to do to win the race

And he admitted there was no reason why Pompey can’t achieve their goal of securing a place back in the Championship at the end of it.

The Blues report back to duty tonight with an away fixture at Bristol Rovers.

It’s their first game in a week and first outing since the club revealed on Monday that the manager will have to take some time off for health reasons – starting on Thursday.

Speaking to The News yesterday, Jackett said promotion remained the primary focus regardless of the precautionary procedure he requires on a mole on his arm.

He also insisted he’ll remain very much involved in team selection as he anticipates a two-week recuperation period.

The League One landscape could look totally different by then, with just seven points separating second-placed Hull (49 points) Accrington (42), who are ninth.

Leaders Lincoln have a further four-point advantage at the top, with Pompey nicely placed in fourth with 48 points and with at least one game in hand on the current top two.

That competition will only intensify over the coming weeks, with games coming thick and fast.

Jackett said he was thrilled to be in the mix yet again and was keen, along with his players, to make the most of the opportunity after many of the Blues’ rivals dropped valuable points at the weekend.

He said: ‘It is still open, the top of the league is open for a number of teams.

‘I’m pleased to say we are one of them, which is a good position to be in – we want to try to capitalise on that now if we can.

‘It’s a high amount of games in a short space of time, we understand that, but it’s a period we are all looking forward to.

‘Looking at the last two days of training, they have been two very bright sessions.

‘The players have looked energised and enthusiastic and looking forward to the games coming up.

‘League One is a very good standard league, there are some good sides. You go right the way down to Ipswich and everybody has a chance to get promoted.

‘It’s very competitive and I’m pleased to say we are in there.

‘If we can produce our best form on a consistent basis, there is no reason why we can’t achieve our goals.’

Tonight’s game will be the first of 20 the Blues have remaining between now and the end of the season (May 8).

Hosts Bristol Rovers are currently without a manager after parting company with Paul Tisdale last week.

There’s been reports Joey Barton is set to be appointed following his Fleetwood exit in January.

But until then, caretaker boss Tommy Widdrington will take charge of this evening’s clash.

Jackett admitted such a scenario can cause problems in terms of his preparations.

But he added, if his players concentrate on their own game, then the result will come.

The manager said: ‘Bristol Rovers haven’t got a manager at present, but we know their players, they know ours, obviously what they do tactically can change from one manager to the next, we will be prepared and certainly we never underestimate or overestimate anybody.

‘Similarly, we have to concentrate on ourselves, produce our best, and do everything we can to apply ourselves and make sure that the performance level is high to look after the result.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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