Portsmouth weigh up keeper transfer move as injured Alex Bass remains on sidelines

The Pompey boss admitted his is actively assessing the situation, with current back-up keeper Alex Bass out until early February with a calf injury.

Duncan Turnbull has been deputising in the 22-year-old’s absence, occupying the bench for the recent games against Bristol City, Fleetwood and AFC Wimbledon.

The American was last week handed his Blues debut in their Papa John’s Trophy defeat at the hands of Peterborough, before being replaced by fellow rookie Taylor Seymour in the second half, and will remain in the match-day squad for Saturday’s visit of Hull.

However, Jackett is concerned by the lack of experience both his current back-up options provide No1 Craig MacGillivray.

And with Pompey’s schedule continuing at pace while Bass remains on the sidelines, the manger is pondering whether extra support will be needed.

Jackett told The News: ‘The next 10 days is going to be a key assessment and decision period within our squad planning.

‘We’ll see (if we need to bring in a keeper).

‘We don’t want to lack experience, if you like, in that area, so we’ll see what the situation is.

‘We have 10 days to sum it up before we do need to make a decision.

‘If Craig got injured in that time, it’s quite straightforward and we could move very quickly within the window.

‘But come the first of February, obviously the situation is different.’

Bass picked up his calf injury in training before Pompey’s trip to Bristol City in the FA Cup.

At the moment, he looks set to be absent for the 4-6-week period initially recommended.

But Jackett is hopeful the keeper can be back sooner rather than later.

He added: ‘Alex will be back early February.

‘He’s recovering at the moment, he’s a young lad and we really want him to push over the next two weeks and try to shave off the original prognosis which was four to six weeks.

‘But, as I said, that assessment and then decision within the next 10 days is a key one.’

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.