Portsmouth boss Kenny Jacket reveals preference for Fleetwood game ahead of upcoming international break

Pompey are keen to play their League One clash against Fleetwood during the international break later this month.
Fleetwood manager Joey Barton and Pompey boss Kenny Jackett in the technical area at Highbury Stadium. Picture: Daniel ChestertonFleetwood manager Joey Barton and Pompey boss Kenny Jackett in the technical area at Highbury Stadium. Picture: Daniel Chesterton
Fleetwood manager Joey Barton and Pompey boss Kenny Jackett in the technical area at Highbury Stadium. Picture: Daniel Chesterton

But Kenny Jackett will ‘reluctantly’ call the game off if he has to make too many changes to his starting line-up. 

The Blues will already be without Ross McCrorie for the Cod Army’s trip to Fratton Park on Saturday, November 16.

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If Pompey have three international call-ups, they can request for the game against fifth-placed Fleetwood to be postponed.  

The Blues’ decision will depend on whether Jackett has to make several tweaks to his team. 

Yet Jackett’s preference is to go ahead with the encounter as scheduled.

The boss said: ‘We haven’t made a decision and we will look over the next couple of weeks.

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‘The likelihood is – like the last international break – Curtis, McCrorie and MacGillivray will be called up.

‘It will depend on how many starters we have going away on international duty at that particular time and how many other injuries we have at that stage will be a consideration.

‘We will take all of the time we need. My preference, if we can, is to try to play.

‘We don’t need a break and would want momentum. 

‘But if there are a number of our starters or just generally too many people out or we have to make too many changes, we will reluctantly call it off if we have to.’

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Pompey originally postponed tonight’s rearranged game against Southend, which was due to take place on September 7.

However, the Blues fulfilled their meeting with Gillingham on October 12 despite Curtis, MacGillivray and McCrorie all being away. 

Curtis was an unused substitute for the 0-0 draw with the Gills, having pulled out of the Ireland squad with a hamstring injury. 

Last month, Fleetwood boss Joey Barton criticised Sunderland for cancelling their game at the Highbury Stadium because of international call-ups.