Portsmouth boss on Rasmus Nicolaisen - and why he didn't seek January centre-half signings

And Pompey’s boss insists satisfaction with central-defensive options kept him out of January’s transfer market.

Nicolaisen will start alongside Sean Raggett at Charlton tomorrow night (7pm).

His starting XI opportunity has arrived following Jack Whatmough’s three-match ban, collected against Lincoln.

The Dane, who has featured 13 times since his loan move from FC Midtjylland, is next in line for a centre-half spot.

And Jackett has noticed an improvement in the 23-year-old since taken off at half-time at Plymouth in November.

Pompey’s boss said: ‘Selection has sort of naturally fell into Nicolaisen and Raggett.

‘He has definitely improved since Plymouth. He’s had some very good games and gives us nice balance with his left foot.

‘It’s not like he hasn’t played at all, he has played a lot of games.

‘He likes it here, wants to prove himself and has put a lot of effort in and will want to see it through, to try to break both into our team and English football generally.

‘Plymouth was a bit different, maybe it was the first time he had two up front against him. Similarly, it can’t always be your day either and you have five substitutes now, people do get substituted.

‘I would rather look at things overall. I am pleased with Rasmus, I think he is coming into a good stage and phase of his career and will keep improving.

‘In terms of the second half of the season, I think he’s a very capable player and will do well for Pompey.’

Raggett and Whatmough have been Jackett’s preferred centre-half pairing this season so far – and understandably so.

And Pompey’s manager is adamant that belief is his other defenders meant he has not sought additions in that area of the pitch.

He added: ‘No, we haven’t been looking for another centre-half.

‘We are a week or two from Paul Downing being back, while Jack is out for three games.

‘We have James Bolton as well, who is an experienced player, and Haji Mnoga.

‘Although Haji has played at right-back, he’s a strong lad and a good defender who has experience of playing centre-back.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage, starting at less than £1 a week.

You can subscribe here to get the latest news and transfer updates from Fratton Park - and to support our local team of expert Pompey writers.