Key Blues duo winning their fights for fitness

DANNY Cowley is ‘hopeful’ of a weekend return for Pompey’s key injured duo.

The Blues boss was forced into a double change at half-time in the 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town, as Clarke Robertson and Marcus Harness were withdrawn.

Skipper Robertson limped off with an ankle issue after trying to continue, with Harness, below, picking up a quad problem.

Both men were in for treatment yesterday and, although it’s early days, Cowley is cautiously optimistic about their chances of recovery to face Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

He said: ‘Clark Robertson and Marcus

Harness have both been in for rehab work. It’s an early phase.

‘It’s about trying to get inflammation down, and once you’ve done that you can start making some intelligent decisions about the time frame.

‘The good news is both are walking freely and can’t feel the issues when they are walking, which is always a good sign.

‘They have both got a bit of swelling, but we certainly haven’t ruled the weekend out, though.’

■ Pompey’s home clash with Plymouth on September 6 has been postponed.

The Pilgrims have called off the fixture after having three players selected for international duty.

Pompey are also likely to see Gavin Bazunu, Marcus Harness and Ronan Curtis in Republic of Ireland contention, while Joe Morrell will probably go with Wales.

A new date for the match – earmarked for Sky Sports coverage – will be announced in due course. Tickets bought for the fixture are valid for the rescheduled date.