Relief for on-loan Portsmouth forward as he finally gets back to playing regularly
It's been a long, old wait for him.
But after the best part of a year, Reeco Hackett-Fairchild is finally back playing regular football.
The forward has endured a frustrating 2020, after completing his move to Pompey from Bromley for an undisclosed fee in January.
Hackett-Fairchild struggled to establish himself in Kenny Jackett's side before last season was curtailed amid the coronavirus crisis, making only one appearance.
And at the beginning of the 2020-21 campaign, the ex-Charlton man also remained out of favour.
To get back to featuring week in, week out, Hackett-Fairchild returned to Bromley on loan in September.
Upon his arrival at Hayes Lane, he admitted he was hoping to start enjoying his football again.
But the 22-year-old suffered more bad luck when sustaining a groin injury which sidelined him for several weeks.
And when he did recover from his setback, Hackett-Fairchild was told by Ravens boss Neil Smith that he was going to have to work hard to win a starting spot.
The former Boreham Wood attacker has managed to force his way into Bromley's plans, however.
He's featured from the outset in their past three matches, most recently in a 1-1 draw with Boreham Wood on Tuesday evening.
The Redbridge-born ace will also likely keep his place for the Ravens’ trip to Maidenhead this Saturday.
Pompey hold a recall clause on Hackett-Fairchild but Kenny Jackett's keen for him to get games under his belt in a bid to bolster his first-team chances at Fratton Park in the future.
The Blues opted not to cut Hackett-Fairchild’s loan short in October when Ellis Harrison picked up an injury. Instead, Pompey signed Jordy Hiwula on a short-term deal.
Hackett-Fairchild’s loan at the National League outfit expires on January 3.
He’s been registered as part of Jackett’s 22-man squad for the League One season.