Pompey, I think we all know this, could do with adding a central defender to the squad but given the fact the transfer window closed in August there’s limited options for Kenny Jackett to turn too.
However, anyone who was without a club when September got underway is fair gain.
Jackett has cast his eye over Thomas Juel-Nielsen in recent weeks and the Danish trialist, a free agent following a brief stint in Israel at Maccabi Netanya, could enhance his prospects of joining the Blues when turning out against Everton in the Premier League Cup on Monday.
Explaining the situation, Jackett told the News: ‘He’ll play on Monday against Everton. Training is training, so I’m looking forward to seeing him in a game. He looks like a centre-back in terms of stature. He’s 27 and he has a good CV. So I’m looking forward to the game and seeing how he plays.’
The boss would have given him a chance against Crawley in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday but this wasn’t possible in this competition, unlike Monday.
‘Without a permanent contract he couldn’t play in the Checkatrade this week,’ added Jackett. ‘But Monday’s game is different. You can play a triallist if you like. That’s the opportunity it offers. The good thing is he’s had some training with us, so he’ll know names. It’ll be great if it comes off.’
There’s absolutely no doubt Pompey need defensive cover – which cannot wait until the New Year – and as a trialist we’ve nothing to lose in looking at Juel-Nielsen.
Simply due to the fact few of us would have heard of him shouldn’t determine if he’s right for the club or not and I’ll trust Jackett’s judgement and back him to make the right decision.
However, I would say Juel-Nielsen leaving his Israeli club just a month after signing a contract with them in the summer was strange though but their loss could be our gain?
PLAY UP POMPEY
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2017-18 Prediction League – October
Gillingham (a) – Saturday 7th October 2017 – click here.
MK Dons (h) – Saturday 14th October 2017 – click here.
Doncaster (a) – Tuesday 17th October 2017 – click here.
Blackburn (a) – Saturday 21st October 2017 – click here.
Bradford (h) – Saturday 28th October 2017 – click here.
