Reeco Hackett-Fairchild backed to finally make Portsmouth impact after eye-catching Gosport cameo

That’s the verdict of Kenny Jackett after watching the winger net twice against Gosport on his injury comeback.

The former Bromley man was also involved in Ryan Williams’ goal in Tuesday night’s 4-0 victory during his first friendly appearance of the summer.

Hackett-Fairchild missed out on the play-offs through a quad injury, while a twisted knee had sidelined him from the Blues’ pre-season programme before Gosport.

However, after introduced at half-time at Privett Park, he scored twice in his opening eight minutes to inspire Jackett’s men to victory.

Jackett told The News: ‘Reeco’s had a frustrating time with injuries since he has been here, but sometimes it takes people a little while to settle.

‘He remains a young player desperate to do well for us and the Gosport game will give him a bit of confidence.

‘He’s the only left-footed natural forward that we’ve got and I think it showed at times with him on that side during the match.

‘We have Ronan on that side who plays strongly, but I think a left footer along our front line is a complement to what we have.

‘It would be nice if Reeco can build on that. It's a big season for him, but I think he is capable. He is ready.’

Hackett-Fairchild has featured competitively just once for Pompey since his January arrival from Bromley.

He started the 2-1 Leasing.com Trophy success at Walsall a day later – but has made one squad since.

It amounts to a frustrating time for the left winger, who has also been unfortunate with injury.

Still, he showed glimpses of his talent at Privett Park to suggest there is plenty more to come.

Pompey’s boss added: ‘In the build up to the play-offs, Reeco got an injury. In the build up to these friendlies he got an injury as well.

‘It was good to see him back on Tuesday night, I thought he was going to get a hat-trick at one stage, and I am sure he can build on it.’

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