WE CAN ALWAYS IMPROVE, ADMITS JACKETT

PORTSMOUTH manager Kenny Jackett is constantly looking for marginal gains and room for improvement, despite a strong start to the season.

The Pompey manager knows each side brings a different challenge and, while he has plenty to celebrate, he does not want his pacesetters to ease off the gas.

“We’re trying to highlight to the players what they’re doing right – which at the moment is plenty,” the 56-year-old explained.

“But we’re also looking at how we can improve because each game provides its own unique test and there are some very good sides in this league.

“We have to make sure we continuously realise that and know what is required to overcome our next opponent.”

Jackett has also urged his players to stay on the front foot, despite the threat of suspension.

“Bookings and committed defenders seem MESSAGE: Kenny Jackett to go hand-in-hand, one goes with the other,” the Portsmouth boss said.

“I don’t think any of my players get excessive bookings. Probably the worst run I’ve had was when Ben Thompson got three in his first three games – and he has adjusted that since.

“We don’t want to lose any of them to suspension, similarly I wouldn’t want them not to be committed either. They get blocks and tackles in because it’s part of competing for the points.”

Jackett is also pleased to have competition in his defence, just in case any player does get hit with a ban.

He added: “There is competition at right-back and we wanted that.

“That’s seven defenders for four positions, which is pretty good. We have tried to get two for every position or thereabouts. It’s going to help us because, over the course of the season, we’ll need them all.”