Second Sunderland snub looming for Portsmouth’s ever-frustrated Wigan loanee James Vaughan

James Vaughan faces enduring another snub against former club Sunderland as his Pompey frustration continues.
James Vaughan again faces being left out against former club Sunderland. Picture: Joe PeplerJames Vaughan again faces being left out against former club Sunderland. Picture: Joe Pepler
James Vaughan again faces being left out against former club Sunderland. Picture: Joe Pepler

The on-loan striker wasn’t included in the Blues’ 18-man squad for Saturday’s play-off semi-final at the Stadium of Light.

Despite a late injury crisis which saw fringe players Andy Cannon, Louis Dennis and Adam May promoted to the bench, Vaughan was omitted.

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Just 18 days ago, the 30-year-old lined up against the Black Cats – the club he left in January 2018 following an unhappy spell.

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Today Vaughan was absent from Pompey training, with Kenny Jackett insisting he was ‘at home’.

It has been a miserable Fratton Park period for the ex-Everton forward since his January arrival, registering 10 appearances, of which just two have been starts.

And while Jackett insists Vaughan remains a squad option for Thursday night’s second leg, it appears highly unlikely.

James Vaughan again faces being left out against former club Sunderland. Picture: Joe PeplerJames Vaughan again faces being left out against former club Sunderland. Picture: Joe Pepler
James Vaughan again faces being left out against former club Sunderland. Picture: Joe Pepler
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Pompey’s boss said: ‘James wasn’t in today, but he’s in tomorrow. He’s currently at home.

‘He wasn’t selected (on Saturday) but, if selected Thursday night, he will be there. If selected.

‘James is definitely part of the consideration, 100 per cent.

‘On Saturday, in terms of the number nine with Oli Hawkins and Omar Bogle fit, the options to use him are minimal.

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‘He is under consideration and available for selection, should I choose him.’

The Barnsley winger failed to make a single appearance and returned to his club ahead of the final match of the League One season against Accrington.

The Blues still possess an option to renew Isgrove’s loan to cover the play-offs, if required.

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In the meantime he is not training with Jackett’s squad, having returned north.

Similarly, Vaughan has been working with parent club Wigan on occasions during his Fratton Park loan spell.

Although the Latics’ Championship campaign ended on May 5.