Jackett’s free agent option
Jackett admits he would consider free agent to help boost forward options
KENNY JACKETT would consider recruiting a free agent to bolster a Pompey forward line deprived of Ellis Harrison.
The striker is expected to be out for up to three weeks after sustaining a grade 1 hamstring tear in Saturday’s home defeat to Doncaster Rovers.
That could sideline the 26-year-old for seven League One matches and an EFL Trophy encounter with West Ham under-21s.
John Marquis will now be handed a return to the starting XI at Gillingham tonight as the Blues’ only fit conventional striker.
He replaced Harrison in the 63rd minute against Donny, after falling below the former Ipswich man in the Fratton Park pecking order in recent games.
Heading into the game at Priestfield, Marquis has been struggling for form, scoring two goals so far this season – but with none of those coming in the third tier.
Such stats, along with Harrison’s injury, have therefore left Jackett admitting he would be open to a striking free agent – if the right candidate emerged.
The manager told The News: ‘Yes, there is that option (for a free agent), we definitely have a space, there is that possibility.
‘If one came up, maybe. We are not imminently doing something, but we do have a space.
‘We’ll see about another striker, we are always looking and our recruitment and scouting won’t necessarily stop.
‘Yes, we are constantly looking – but I wouldn’t say there is one close.
‘It would have to be somebody we feel could help us and make a difference.
‘It has got to be the right person fitting in at the right time.’
Pompey will today submit their 22-man squad to the Football League, with one space available.
Potentially, that can be filled by a free agent, should
Jackett so wish.
The Blues also have room in their budget within the confines of the £2.5m salary cap which League One clubs must abide by.
However, Pompey’s boss insists he remains satisfied with his striking options.
He added: ‘There’s John, Ellis and also Marcus. When he has played through the middle has shown a lot of freedom to his game.
‘While Ronan always wants to get among the goals as well.’
Pompey’s trip to Plymouth – originally scheduled for Saturday, November 14 – has been switched to a Monday night to be televised.
It will now be played on November 16 (7.45pm).