The Football League Paper

AARON SOLVES POMPEY KEEPER CRISIS

- By Paddy von Behr

AARON McCarey has answered an SOS call from keeper-shy Portsmouth – and the Wolves stopper revealed former Pompey favourite Jed Wallace helped him make his mind up.

Paul Jones is the latest goalkeeper to succumb to injury at Portsmouth, joining Brian Murphy and Michael Poke in the treatment room.

Therefore they’ve had no option but to activate a onemonth emergency loan – and in McCarey they have found a keeper with pedigree.

The 23-year-old is a former Republic of Ireland Un21 internatio­nal and has played seven times for Wolves, the club that Wallace joined over the summer.

And McCarey admits Wallace – who hit 17 goals for Pompey last season – played a key role in his decision.

He said:“I got a phone call on Tuesday evening about the possibilit­y of something materialis­ing at Pompey.

“As soon as I knew the club were interested in me, then I wanted to make sure it happened straight away.

“I’ve been well-informed by Jed, but I already knew a lot about them and it’s good to see the rebuilding job that’s going on.

“Jed lives near me in Wolverhamp­ton, so we’ve spent a bit of time together and I know he had a couple of successful years here.

“He said that this was a great club with fantastic supporters and that I’d enjoy my time here.

“It’s a great opportunit­y for me. I’m hoping to help Pompey, and vice versa, so it should work out well for everyone.”

McCarey is hoping to impress in a brief cameo down on the south coast after a frustratin­g spell at Molineux – he’s not played for Wolves since last August.

“It’s a great opportunit­y for me,” added McCarey.“I know a few of the lads already, but I’ve still got to learn a few of the names.

“It won’t take long and the important thing is that I make sure to build those relationsh­ips quickly.”

 ?? PICTURE: Action Images ?? EARLY BIRD: Reading’s Nick Blackman celebrates opening the scoring after just five minutes
PICTURE: Action Images EARLY BIRD: Reading’s Nick Blackman celebrates opening the scoring after just five minutes
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 ??  ?? SAVIOUR: Aaron McCarey
SAVIOUR: Aaron McCarey
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