Stuart O’Keefe is back from suspension this weekend but it isn’t certain, Kenny Jackett has said as much, he’ll return at Fratton Park.
O’Keefe, who was handed his professional debut by Southend following his release by Ipswich, made his name at Roots Hall before joining Crystal Palace and eventually Cardiff, the club he left to join Pompey on loan from last summer.
Given his previous with Southend he’ll be especially keen to return to the Blues’ midfield but he knows it isn’t certain after those who came in ‘did very well’ at Bloomfield Road.
He told portsmouthfc.co.uk: ‘It’s frustrating because you always want to be involved. That’s part and parcel of being a footballer and we have a squad for that very reason. Those boys who came in did very well. But it’s a very long season and there will be a lot of twists and turns, ins and outs over the course of it.’
Like any footballer O’Keefe, 26, would prefer not to be out of the side. However, a free weekend wasn’t the end of the world and in the long run it could help – the ‘manic’ game at Blackpool was one he followed closely.
O’Keefe said: ‘A break can help because it keeps you fresh after a long run of games and it does keep you on your toes. I suppose it was nice to have a weekend off and I was following the game on my phone. I looked at it and we were winning 1-0, then suddenly it was 3-2. It was a manic last few minutes, but the boys dug in and got the result we needed against a really tough side.’
Personally, not that I’m saying I do not rate O’Keefe, as I do, I reckon he’ll start among the subs against Southend this afternoon.
However, O’Keefe’s one that’ll be part of the Pompey squad for the remainder of this season at least but a decision has been made on Adam Henley.
The former Blackburn full back had been on trial this week but Jackett has decided Henley, who previously had an unsuccessful trial spell with Blackpool, managed by his former Rovers boss Gary Bowyer, isn’t for him – a contract hasn’t been offered.
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2017-18 Prediction League – November
Southend (h) Saturday 18th November 2017 – click here.
Peterborough (a) Tuesday 21st November 2017 – click here.
Plymouth (h) Saturday 25th November 2017 – click here.
