Jackett to strengthen
Jackett keen to bring in centre-half and left-back during January window
POMPEY are in the hunt for a central defender and left-back when the January transfer window reopens.
And Kenny Jackett admitted any dealings are likely to be loans as he balances his playing budget.
The Blues boss is keen to bolster a back line which has already seen eight different centre-half pairings employed this season.
Pompey are already wellstocked with options, with Christian Burgess, Sean Raggett, Paul Downing and Oli Hawkins challenging.
In addition, Jack Whatmough is making encouraging progress following long-term injury, while youngster Matt Casey is also on the books.
Jackett said: ‘Strengthening the back four positions with left footers and maybe a midfielder is where we are looking to.
‘We hope there’s good quality out there and whoever comes in can improve us.
‘You want people who can make a difference straight away and there’s always the one for tomorrow.
‘People want to see signs of the first team and we are the same, but also the bigger picture of the club sometimes is to tuck underneath and then can come through after six months.
‘I don’t think money will be spent, I think mainly it will be loans.
‘Departures would free things (finances), we would be looking to balance things off squad-wise. If we bring players in, there will be players going out.
‘Possibly one in, one out, although I wouldn’t say it has to be exact or set in stone.
‘I don’t think we are suddenly going to up the (squad) numbers by five and nobody comes out. There has to be give and take.’
Jackett has made a new left-back a priority, with Lee Brown and Brandon Haunstrup sidelined until February after undergoing operations.
The right-footed Anton Walkes stood in for last weekend’s 4-1 defeat at Accrington Stanley – and is likely to retain his place against Ipswich Town tomorrow.
Jackett added: ‘Anton is an experienced full-back and can play a number of positions, but if you are looking at left footers available in our current squad, that will probably be our first priority in January.
‘We look at all positions. You have to look very quickly who is available and who you think you can get.
‘It’s all right having good targets, but they must be achievable targets as well.
‘We will start making some moves (getting a left-back) towards January, which is coming up very quickly.
‘It could be a loan or permanent, depending on the player and the situation.’