Ronan Curtis' form dip, potential parting of ways with Jordy Hiwula and Hull half-time subs - your Portsmouth questions answered

Pompey have now made three January signings in Harvey White (Tottenham), Charlie Daniels (Shrewsbury) and George Byers (Swansea) in a bid to bolster their League One promotion push.

However, the Blues slipped to a dismal 4-0 loss at Hull City on Saturday, which has caused concern among sections of supporters.

We’ve answered some of the questions that our readers have sent in to us over the weekend.

What was Kenny Jackett thinking with his half-time subs against Hull? It made things even worse!

Dave Conville via email

It was a decision that not many people could get their heads around.

I agree that things needed to change at the break. There wasn’t much between the two sides but Hull deserved a slender lead and Pompey hadn't threatened visiting keeper George Long enough.

However, I wouldn't have taken Andy Cannon or Ryan Williams off.

Kenny Jackett said his side lacked energy in the first period yet brought off probably his two most energetic players in his side.

Cannon was getting into some decent pockets, winning a free-kick 25 yards from goal, while the Blues needed to find a way to get Williams into the game more.

Just before the break, he linked well with Marcus Harness and that needed to happen more frequently.

In fairness to Ben Close, he had a decent game when he came on and was positive whenever he got on the ball.

But many would agree that Ronan Curtis was subdued in the first half and would have been best to have been brought off for either Michael Jacobs or Ellis Harrison.

This isn't a knee-jerk reaction to the Hull loss, let me say that first. But Ronan Curtis' form is a massive worry for me. Each window there's plenty said about his future, but I don't see how he's always linked with Championship clubs. He can barely do it in League One. Is it me or has his formed dipped massively? Does he deserve the starts he gets under Kenny Jackett?

Thomas Sommers via email

I’d have to disagree that Ronan Curtis can barely do it in League One. Just look at the sheer number of goals and assists he's got since arriving from Derry City.

When at his peak, the Irishman ranks among the best wide men in the third tier.

However, he wasn’t at the races against Hull – although it was his first start back since recovering from coronavirus.

Still, Curtis’ form had taken a dip before Christmas. Now he’s not scored in his past 10 games and not been affecting performances as well as we know he can out on the left.

I thought it was harsh on Michael Jacobs to be dropped after helping Pompey to a 4-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in midweek.

He’d been improving each game since recovering from a knee injury.

What Jackett likes about Curtis is that he can always crop up with a goal even when things aren't quite going his way.

But consistency is what he needs to find if he’s to achieve his ambitions of playing higher up the pyramid.

What's the point of having Jordy Hiwula in the current squad? He's clearly way down the pecking order and didn't even make the bench on Saturday. Should there be a parting of ways?

D. Walker via email.

It was an odd one – Hiwula left out of the match-day squad and replaced by James Bolton, a defender, for a home game.

In truth, his pace could have caused Hull some problems from the bench when trailing.

Since extending his contract until the end of the season, the forward’s not played in any of the subsequent three league games.

What's more, he has played only twice in the third tier after arriving in October.

It's fairly evident that Hiwula is third-choice striker behind John Marquis and Ellis Harrison.

However, there is no chance of a parting of ways.

Pompey need depth heading into a hectic second half of the season and players who are proven at League One level.

Hiwula ticks both of those boxes.

The former Coventry man will be frustrated, no doubt, but he’s well-rated by Jackett and is popular among the players.

To let him go, the Blues would then need to find a suitable replacement and that’d be a challenge with a week of the window left.

In addition, Hiwula had the chance to leave when his initial contract expired on January 20.

Instead, he wanted to help Pompey win promotion and extended his stay.

Will Andy Cannon buckle under the pressure of having Harvey White and now George Byers competing for a midfield place with him or will he thrive? Only ask as he's been taken off in both games White has been available for.

T. Burridge, Southsea

If Cannon’s face, when he arrived in the directors’ box after being subbed at half-time, tells us anything, it’s that he’s up for the challenge.

The midfielder was understandably fuming and clearly felt he didn't deserve to be brought off.

You’d rather see that sort of attitude than someone who shrugs his shoulders.

That sort of reaction shows he's not willing to lose his starting spot.

After injuries and being out of the team at Fratton Park, he’s now a key man and regular starter.

Cannon’s always been confident in his ability and while he knows there's competition, he’ll be determined to keep his spot.

I think George Byers has arrived to dovetail with Cannon throughout the second half of the season.

Cannon's approach is high-octane and Pompey won’t want him to suffer burnout in the closing stages.

Byers adds Championship quality and looks a decent signing on paper.

As for White, he’s shown glimpses of his ability so far.

He might have to wait for his chance but his attitude seems spot on and adds more depth.

Looking at the league table, I'm not as confident about your chances of promotion as I was a week ago. Please tell me I'm wrong!

M. McEvoy, Oxford

It's crazy how much things can change in a week and I’m sure you’re not the only person thinking it.

But there is still half a season remaining and Pompey are well poised in fourth spot.

The scoreline and performance against Hull was a worry yet that is the first time the Blues have been beaten comprehensively all season.

Let's not forget they’ve already beaten Sunderland, Lincoln, Peterborough, Ipswich and Hull, which underlines they're capable of mixing with their best in the division.

If Pompey beat second-placed Lincoln tomorrow then go and get three points at Charlton, everyone will be buoyant again.

I’m certain the Blues will be in the play-offs again come May, but we all know the perils that brings.

To finish in the top two, they can't avoid too many more slip-ups.

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