Pompey have signed two Manchester City youngsters on loan for a month.
Forward Luca Scapuzzi and central defender Karim Rekik both come highly rated from Roberto Mancini’s title chasers.
Rekik, 17, joined City in the summer after coming through the youth system at Feyenoord.
The defender was an integral part of the Dutch side that won the UEFA European under-17 Championship last May.
Rekik skippered his country in the under-17 World Cup in Mexico last summer. He has made two appearances for City, both in the League Cup.
Scapuzzi, 20, joined City from Italian side Portogruaro last summer, signing a three-year deal.
A youth player with AC Milan, Scapuzzi has made two appearances for City and nine for Oldham, where he was on loan earlier this season.
Blues boss Michael Appleton said: “Karim can play at left-back or as a left-sided centre half. He’s comfortable on the ball and has the right temperament to be at a club like Manchester City.
“Luca is a good footballer who can play out wide or up front. He’s already got Football League experience having been on loan at Oldham.
“We’ve been aware of both of them for ages. I know Brian Kidd very well, while Stuart Gray is good friends with David Platt.”
Meanwhile, Scott Allan has extended his loan spell from West Brom for another 28 days.