Portsmouth boss mulls over goalkeeper replacements after suffering Alex Bass blow

Kenny Jackett admitted Peterborough served as a goalkeeping audition piece as Pompey seek to pinpoint Alex Bass’ replacement.
Duncan Turnbull was handed his Pompey debut in the 5-1 Papa John's Trophy defeat at Peterborough. Picture: Nigel Keene/ProSportsImagesDuncan Turnbull was handed his Pompey debut in the 5-1 Papa John's Trophy defeat at Peterborough. Picture: Nigel Keene/ProSportsImages
Duncan Turnbull was handed his Pompey debut in the 5-1 Papa John's Trophy defeat at Peterborough. Picture: Nigel Keene/ProSportsImages

The Blues’ number two is expected to be absent for up to four weeks with the calf problem sustained in a challenge with Haji Mnoga on the training ground.

Duncan Turnbull was named as back-up keeper at Bristol City on Sunday – and was handed his debut tonight at Peterborough in the Papa John’s Trophy.

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The towering America featured for 61 minutes, conceding four times, before making way for Taylor Seymour in a pre-arranged substitution.

Pompey would go on to lose 5-1 at London Road, eliminating them from the competition which has served them so well.

Yet for Jackett, it also represented the chance to grant first-team debuts to both keepers – and judge who will step up as Craig MacGillivray’s deputy.

Pompey’s boss told The News: ‘Alex Bass has a calf injury, it looks like he will be out for 3-4 weeks with that. He’s had a scan.

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‘We’ve now had a look at both Duncan Turnbull and Taylor Seymour.

‘The substitution was predetermined, I wanted to have a look at both with Alex’s injury.

‘It’s close between them and I did want to give Taylor 30 minutes for a little experience and for us to make sure he is in our thoughts and see him in a match situation.

‘They will both be challenging for the back-up spot with it looking like Alex will be out for a few weeks.’

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Turnbull endured an unsuccessful loan spell at Dulwich Hamlet earlier this season, with his stay cancelled after failing to make an appearance.

He previously was on Pompey’s bench earlier in the season when Bass was sidelined through injury, although not used.

Meanwhile, Seymour has struggled for matches through circumstances, with the current climate not allowing for friendlies and second-string fixtures.

Too old for the youth team, it has left the former Lewes goalkeeper without match minutes to develop following his summer arrival.

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Certainly Pompey are well-stocked for goalkeepers at present – with MacGillivray the undisputed number one.

He was rested at Peterborough having appeared in Sunday’s FA Cup defeat at Bristol City.

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