Why there's optimism both Rasmus Nicolaisen and Jordy Hiwula will remain at Portsmouth beyond January

The duo’s future at the Blues has been in doubt in recent weeks, with both finding game time hard to come by at Fratton Park since their arrivals.

With on-loan FC Midtjylland defender Nicolaisen featuring only 10 times to date, there has been concerns he might move elsewhere this month in search for regular match minutes.

Certainly, it’s something the centre-back has not been afraid to speak about himself as he’s played second-fiddle to regular defensive partners Jack Whatmough and Sean Raggett.

And similar fears have grown regarding Hiwula’s continued Pompey presence, with the former Coventry striker clocking up just 10 minutes of League One football since his late signing in October.

The Blues’ priority in the transfer window is midfield, with cover needed for both Tom Naylor and Andy Cannon.

But seeking replacements for both Nicolaisen, Hiwula and potentially Cam Pring, too, could disrupt the squad as they bid to return to the Championship at the fourth time of asking.

It’s something boss Kenny Jackett would ideally like to avoid.

And speaking in the latest edition of Pompey Talk: The Podcast, News reporter Cross believes there’s signs to suggest such a scenario could be avoided.

Cross told Pompey Talk: ‘Rasmus Nicolaisen's got a recall option coming up in the next week or so, maybe 10 days.

‘Will he stay around? He's made a few noises about not having quite as much football as he's wanted. What will his parent club FC Midtjylland say?

‘Kenny Jackett, on that note, today told me that he feels Rasmus would want to stay but they need to have a conversation with Midtjylland.

‘And Jordi Hiwula, who a lot of fans are clambering for.

‘Again, his contract is up maybe the 20th and Kenny wants to have a conversation with him in the next week or so to see where his heads at.

‘Kenny pointed to the congested fixture schedule that's coming up. He's also argued for an extended season. And on that note, with all the games coming up, Jordy Hiwula will be getting football.

‘He (Jackett) is promising him more football over the second half of the season.

‘Whether that will be enough to keep Jordy here, we will see.

‘Fans have wanted to see more of him - and I can see why, he's got something about him.

‘Having said that, he seems a very chilled out bloke.

‘And unless he's got somewhere else lined up, I can see him potentially being happy to stick around and being a bit-part player and getting his career back on track after not playing for so long.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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