Portsmouth boss pinpoints benefits his side have going into Oxford United showdown

Kenny Jackett believes Pompey’s squad depth can come to their aid in the play-offs.
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And the Blues boss noted how the suspended football season has taken the edge off what was developing into another gruelling campaign for his side.

Jackett feels that could be another plus for his men heading into Friday’s play-off showdown with Oxford United

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That doesn’t include the player who continues to opt out of training and, in all likeliness, will not be in contention for the games on the horizon.

Otherwise, it’s a full complement for the Pompey boss with Reeco Hackett-Fairchild over a thigh issue which has restricted his playing time.

Jackett could also call on Matt Casey and Adam May, who have been released while Brett Pitman is training away from the club.

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Kenny Jackett. Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty ImagesKenny Jackett. Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Kenny Jackett. Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images

But it remains to be seen how two quick-fire games will impact the team after a four-month lay-off.

Jackett noted, however, Friday’s game would ordinarily have been Pompey’s 60th of the season and the fact it’s now their 51st outing is an obvious benefit.

He said: ‘The depth is good. It’s part of what we’ve done over the past couple of seasons.

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‘We did 62 games last season and if we’d got to the play-off final (before the season was suspended) it would’ve been 63 this year.

‘That’s a lot of games in two years and we’ve done well in the cup competitions.

‘The distribution of players has really helped us to remain consistent.

‘We’re always trying to bring in a few of youngsters to boost that, push in and help us. That’s quite natural as well.’

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