The Portsmouth players who would reap the rewards of regular reserve action

The Blues were hoping to commit to a 12-fixture programme against teams across the south, as well as competing in the Central League Cup again.

Covid-19 means that prospect has been put on ice, though, with Pompey set to review it again once the pandemic is over.

If a reserve team is given the green light then there are several fringe players and youngsters who would reap the rewards.

We’ve picked out five of them...

Reeco Hackett-Fairchild

It's been a frustrating time for the forward since arriving at Pompey in January.

Having been a key player during Bromley's National League promotion push in the first half of the season, Hackett-Fairchild is still waiting on his chance to shine at Fratton Park.

Since making his debut in the Leasing.com Trophy win at Walsall, he's been included in just one of 16 match-day squads.

Nevertheless, the former Charlton man was purchased with a mid to long-term vision in mind and regular reserve games would help his progress.

Duncan Turnbull

The American achieved something previously unprecedented during Kenny Jackett's time as boss.

Turnbull became the first triallist since the manager took charge to successfully earn a deal.

The giant keeper has arrived as third-choice behind Alex Bass and Craig MacGillivray and will find them difficult to dislodge.

He needs minutes to develop, though, having arrived fresh out of playing collegiate soccer for the University of Notre Dame.

Haji Mnoga

The defender is regarded as one of the brightest young talents at PO4.

Since signing pro terms in December, however, Mnoga's not had the game time he’d have quite liked.

An injury to James Bolton curtailed the 17-year-old’s hopes of joining a National League side on loan, while Kenny Jackett has wanted him around his squad ever since.

If Mnoga is still needed around the first-team set-up next term but doesn't feature regularly then he could continue his development for the reserves.

Matt Casey

The centre-back has endured something of a stop-start season, having been sent back from his loan at the Hawks before Bognor's Isthmian League premier division season was declared null and void.

In addition, Casey hasn't been handed one Pompey outing, with Jackett using Leasing.com Trophy games to play senior pros such as Paul Downing and Jack Whatmough.

Should the Blues take up the option for an extra year on the defender’s contract, they’d be able to run the rule over his progress rather than relying on feedback from loan clubs.

Eoin Teggart

The Northern Ireland youth international could hardly have enjoyed a better senior debut in September.

Teggart was handed his maiden Pompey outing against Norwich under-21s in the Leasing.com Trophy.

He delivered a highly eye-catching performance down the left flank, with his blistering pace his main attribute.

Being a left-footed winger, he was described as ‘gold dust' by assistant boss Joe Gallen while conducting post-match interviews.

If he's handed fresh terms at Fratton Park, regular reserve games would be a natural conduit between the youth team and the senior squad.