Portsmouth youngster backed to take his chance as he remains last left-back standing

Joe Hancott can take his Pompey first-team opportunity should he be handed it.
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That is the verdict of Mikey Harris, who holds the Isle of Wight ace in high regard.

Hancott’s currently the only left-back who is under contract at Fratton Park heading into the upcoming season.

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Lee Brown’s in negotiations to sign a new deal, Brandon Haunstrup has turned down fresh terms and looks set to join Kilmarnock and Steve Seddon’s returned to Birmingham following his loan spell. A permanent swoop is unlikely at this stage.

Hancott, who became the Blues’ youngest player in the club’s history when he made his debut in August 2017 aged 16 years and 161 days, will return to the club for pre-season training in the coming weeks.

After being ruled out for the majority of the 2019-20 campaign with an ACL injury, the 19-year-old’s third-year scholarship has been extended. He has until December to win a professional contract.

Pompey are in the market for a left-sided full-back, with Brighton’s Alex Cochrane a target.

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Harris has worked with both Cochrane and Hancott as an academy coach with the Seagulls and at the Blues - as well as Haunstrup.

Joe Hancott. Picture: Graham HuntJoe Hancott. Picture: Graham Hunt
Joe Hancott. Picture: Graham Hunt

The ex-Salisbury boss feels lucky to have had an influence on all three of their careers.

And although Hancott has had his share of injury setbacks, Harris believes the resolve the youngster has displayed can bode well for him in the future.

The England youth coach said: ‘I would 100 per cent back Joe (to take his chance).

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‘I’m lucky to have worked with three very talented young left-backs in Brandon Haunstrup, Joe Hancott and Alex Cochrane.

‘Joe’s had a difficult time over the past couple of years but has undoubted potential.

‘I’m sure he would be more than able to step into the team.

‘It would be a tough ask for him to play 40 or 50 games given his age and the injuries he’s had, but he’s more than capable of having a really good career.

‘The injuries have set him back a little bit on his journey but that’s not to say he can’t come good over time.

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‘He’s had some bad luck and that happens but those experiences can make you stronger in the long run.

‘As difficult as they are, you learn a lot about yourself and grow up very quickly when you have to go through a serious injury and rehab.

‘Hopefully in the long run it will stand him in good stead but it would have set him back a little bit.’

In total, Hancott has made three appearances for Pompey.

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