Portsmouth forced to shelve plans for ex-Charlton forward to rejoin Bromley on loan

It is understood the forward was keen to make a temporary switch back to Hayes Lane to gain regular minutes and help the Ravens in their National League play-off push.

Hackett-Fairchild moved to Fratton Park for an undisclosed fee in January, after netting eight goals in 25 appearances during the first half of the campaign.

He put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal, with the Blues holding an option for a further 12 months.

However, the 21-year-old has made just a solitary appearance since his Pompey arrival, coming in a 2-1 victory at Walsall in the last 16 of the Leasing.com Trophy.

Furthermore, he has been included in just one of manager Kenny Jackett’s 15 match-day squads since his debut at the Bescot Stadium.

The 22-year-old has made two outings for the reserves, though, scoring in a 1-1 Central League Cup draw against Plymouth Argyle.

Behind the likes of Ronan Curtis, Ryan Williams, Marcus Harness and Gareth Evans in the pecking order, there were discussions for Hackett-Fairchild to head back to Bromley before the National League's transfer window closed on Thursday, March 26.

The shutdown of football because of coronavirus meant a potential switch for the former Charlton Athletic man was shelved, however.

And with all remaining National League fixtures now cancelled amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it means Hackett-Fairchild will remain at Fratton Park ahead of Pompey's League One promotion push recommencing once it's safe to do so.

The Blues sit fourth in the table and two points outside the automatic promotion places with nine games remaining.