Blues talks on future of Hiwula
Pompey plan talks amid fears forward will walk away in January
KENNY JACKETT has accepted Jordy Hiwula may choose to depart Pompey when his deal expires next month.
But the Blues plan to hold talks with the striker in the ‘next couple of weeks’ to discuss his future.
Hiwula arrived at Fratton Park as a free agent in October and penned a shortterm contract until January 20.
However, the former Coventry man’s been on the fringes of things so far.
He’s made only five appearances and featured for just 10 minutes in the League One promotion push.
Yet Hiwula’s double in the Papa John’s Trophy victory at Cheltenham on Tuesday night took his goal tally for the club to three.
The promise of regular football elsewhere when his deal comes to a close could tempt the 26-year-old to leave PO4.
But Jackett’s been impressed with Hiwula’s impact – and negotiations regarding a new deal will begin shortly.
The Pompey boss said: ‘I haven’t had that discussion with him yet but it will happen over the next couple of weeks.
‘I have been pleased with Jordy and I do like him.
‘You’d have to ask him how he feels about us but I have been impressed with him.
‘In terms of what his future is, it does have to be sorted out pretty quickly now because his contract is up in a month.
‘Very true (Pompey will have to get plans in place if he opts to leave) but I do think he likes it here and it is a good club. He does seem settled here but it very much depends on how the next couple of weeks go.
‘I like Jordy and I do think he’s been unlucky.’
John Marquis and Ellis Harrison have been ahead of Hiwula in the striking pecking order to date.
Meanwhile, the likes of
Marcus Harness and Ryan Williams have also been used as makeshift forwards in recent weeks.
But Hiwula’s eye-catching performances mean he’s likely to be handed more chances in the league, with games coming thick and fast.
Jackett added: ‘Sometimes I haven’t wanted to take off some of my main strikers late in games because big chances can come.
‘Looking at Jordy, he is worthy of more game time because I’ve been pleased with him and he’s slowly built up his fitness.
‘He's impressed everybody here and not just me. He’s impressing all the time and that’s good for me.’