ABILITY NOT AGE IS WHAT MATTERS
‘It’s the standard of the player that will dictate who we sign’
KENNY JACKETT insists age is no barrier in his hunt for left-back competition.
The Blues have been linked with former Bournemouth defender Charlie Daniels, interest which Pompey’s boss does not dispute.
Aged 34, Daniels, pictured above by Marc Atkins/Getty Images, signed a short-term deal with Shrewsbury Town earlier in the season and has since made 16 starts.
Following Cam Pring’s return to Bristol City, the Blues have Lee Brown as their only left-back option.
The 30-year-old made his comeback from a hamstring injury in yesterday’s 2-1 FA Cup third-round defeat away to Bristol City.
And Jackett revealed quality is the overriding factor in his hunt for a leftback addition rather than age.
Pompey’s boss said: ‘ We are looking to bring in a specialist left-back, but aren’t close to signing anybody.
‘No, I haven’t spoken to Charlie Daniels, but he has a fantastic CV and track record and has done well recently at Shrewsbury.
‘I do know of him, but am not close to signing him.
‘We just want a good one really, that’s where it is.
‘Whether they are young or old, to complement it would be ideal, but it does work better when it’s your own player as well.
‘A younger player on loan would balance Lee off at 30 years of age, but ultimately it’s the standard of the player, not the age of the player who will dictate who we are going to sign.’
Daniels – and Shrewsbury – have yet to play in 2021.
In the meantime, Brown is back in the Pompey side and turned in a fine performance against Bristol City, fulfilling the entire 90 minutes.
Jackett added: ‘Lee has played well and we are pleased to have him back after his injury.
‘He has to keep working hard to maintain that fitness because he’s a key player for us when he does play.’