Blues stars test positive

RASMUS NICOLAISEN is now ready to face the challenges League One football brings.

Kenny Jackett believes the defender showed he’s adapted to English football with his best showing in a Pompey shirt in the 2-0 win at Hull City on Friday night.

Nicolaisen helped his team to their fifth clean sheet on the bounce as they moved to the top of the table, usurping Grant McCann’s side in the process.

The 23-year-old was called upon with Jack Whatmough missing through illness and later testing positive for coronavirus.

But Nicolaisen proved more than adept in his absence as he handled the challenge of striker Josh Magennis’ physicality.

It was a marked improvement from when the FC Midtjylland loanee went up against the power of Plymouth Argyle front man Frank Nouble last month.

Nicolaisen’s stay will be under review next month with his parent club able to recall the centre-half, who has been in and out of the starting XI.

Pompey boss Jackett feels his latest showing will boost the Dane’s confidence.

He said: ‘It was an opportunity for Nicolaisen with Jack being ill.

‘I thought he handled it very well, he was excellent.

‘I was very pleased with him.

‘It was his best performance to date by a long way.

‘That is the hardest game he has had so far and it looks like now he has adjusted very well to our league and our football and also gave us good balance with his left foot.

‘He should gain a lot of confidence out of Friday’s performance and I was very pleased for him because he has worked hard.’