Reeco Hackett-Fairchild poised to drive Wembley mission as Portsmouth strive to preserve Ronan Curtis against Exeter
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild is poised for a Fratton Park bow as Pompey seek to protect Ronan Curtis.
The former Bromley man has featured just once since his January arrival – a start at Walsall in the Leasing.com Trophy.
However, Kenny Jackett is weighing up resting Curtis against Exeter tonight to ease the burden of the Blues’ current hectic schedule.
That would put Hackett-Fairchild in the frame for his home debut in the Leasing.com Trophy semi-final encounter.
Certainly, the Republic of Ireland international represents a key figure in the Blues’ promotion push who must be preserved whenever possible.
The alternative would be a start for Hackett-Fairchild on the left of the attacking three.
Jackett said: ‘Hackett-Fairchild can play there and has waited patiently. He will need a chance, he’s not had an opportunity yet.
‘The three wingers are quite hard to shift for Reeco at the moment, he has to keep pushing.
‘Resting Ronan is a consideration, definitely.
‘When he has had a rest in the past, he has come back strong and I think, from time-to-time, it doesn’t do anybody any harm just to have a little bit of a breather and go again.
‘We are always assessing those things. Similarly, for Ronan, I know what he is like. If he can play against Exeter and score that will lift him as well.
‘Sometimes it’s a rest, sometimes it’s a goal or two, energy pathway is a big thing.
‘Someone like Ronan, who really does live to score goals, could do with a rest – although if he played and scored I think that will also help him.’
Curtis has yet to feature in the competition this season, representing the Blues’ ongoing policy towards avoiding burn out.
Meanwhile, his involvement during last season’s Wembley triumph arrived from the semi-finals onwards.
Jackett added: ‘Ronan understands and sees where it is.
‘If you are looking at last year, he didn’t play in the competition until the semi-final, which is where we are now.’