Portsmouth line-up Luton clash at Privett Park for first friendly of 2021

Mark Kelly will oversee a side taking on the Championship club at Privett Park in a behind-closed-doors game on Tuesday, March 9 (1pm).

It represents the Blues’ first friendly of 2021, with coronavirus and the weather previously denying the opportunity.

The fixture will give Pompey fringe players a timely run out, likely to include Ben Close and Duncan Turnbull.

In addition, it will allow third-year scholars such as Harry Kavanagh, Taylor Seymour and Alfie Stanley the rare chance for football action, plus a number of Academy prospects.

Jackett said: ‘We have a friendly against Luton under-23s next week and will be putting out a mixture of senior and youth players.

‘We won’t see until after the weekend what the team is, but, with the weather and pitches now, we can give a few people a game.

‘I think it’s a good match for our younger players and for squad players that are looking for some game time.

‘There may be players coming back from injury as well, that could help.’

The fixture is likely to be a number of matches arranged by Pompey between now and the end of the season.

Pompey’s League One campaign ends on May 8 with a Fratton Park clash against Accrington.

However, there could be a play-off matches beyond that date.

The Blues boss added: ‘With the covid situation, there haven’t been many friendlies and reserve games. You can’t take that risk through the winter anyway, the pitches make it difficult.

‘With all of those things easing slightly, we will be playing some fixtures between now and the end of the season.

‘That will make sure people are ready – and for us to look at and integrate our youth players.’

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