Portsmouth boss pinpoints crucial battle players are facing as they await news on season

And the Pompey boss feels showing a strength of mind could prove to be as significant to his men as taking on the challenge of building physical fitness after a nine-week lay-off.

The Blues will not begin full training before May 25 at the earliest, after the EFL issued a statement on Wednesday evening.

Some players have been working individually to tick over at the club’s Roko base, as they wait to see what they way forward for their season.

And Jackett can see how having the brakes put on their bid to make the Championship will bring its challenges - especially if they are to pick up that bid once again.

He said: ‘There’s different levels of frustration, they’re all asking the same questions and I haven’t really got anything that’s not on the news - and I don’t think many people have.

‘But they’re all okay, to be honest.

‘As much as we talked right from the start about physical, you can’t have any physical conditioning without mental health - and that’s crucial.

‘For all of the players, I want them to feel they’re well supported from everybody at the club - from Mark, myself, me, Joe, our head physio Bobby Bacic and our fitness guys.

‘I want that level of support all the way through so they feel the club is committed to them.’