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Fixture News

Jackett: Cup Still Has Magic

Boss looks ahead to QPR clash

24 January 2019

Kenny Jackett
Photo: Joe Pepler/PinPep
Fixture News

Jackett: Cup Still Has Magic

Boss looks ahead to QPR clash

24 January 2019

The scenes at Carrow Road earlier this month will certainly live long in the memory.

And Pompey will hope for something similar when they take on QPR in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday.

The reward for seeing off Norwich is a clash with another Championship outfit, although this time on home soil.

Kenny Jackett is certainly excited about the tie and believes the competition is still in perfectly good health.

The Blues boss said: “It’s great for us to get through to this stage and we’ve had different tests against Maidenhead, Rochdale and Norwich.

“We now have one at home against another Championship club in Queens Park Rangers and we’re looking forward to it.

"The FA Cup is such a big thing for everyone – and you’ll be able to see that with the attendance on Saturday."

Kenny Jackett

“The enthusiasm from the supporters has been excellent and it’s good for the players to come up against guys from a higher division.

“Then there’s the overall development of the club, which can only benefit from the profile and finances of the competition.

“The FA Cup is such a big thing for everyone – and you’ll be able to see that with the attendance on Saturday.”

Pompey’s opponents currently sit 14th in the Championship and have lost both league fixtures since reaching the fourth round.

Jackett said: “QPR have done very well under tough financial regulations, first under Ian Holloway and now Steve McClaren.

“They’ve developed a lot of young players and been in a healthy position in what is a very competitive league. We know they’ll want a good cup run themselves.”

QPR have recalled David Wheeler from his spell at Fratton Park and Jackett hopes some business can be done before the transfer window closes next week.

He said: “Recalls in the loan department have left us a bit short – particularly in the forward areas of the pitch.

“We weren’t necessarily expecting it, but we obviously knew that option was in there and the important thing is that we react positively.

“Everybody at the club will be trying to address that in the next week because we can see where we need to strengthen.

“It’s not necessarily about numbers – you can always sign players, but getting good ones is the hard thing.

“We want guys who can contribute and don’t just want extra bodies. They have to be hungry, with ability and able to make a difference.”

Pompey do not have too many injury concerns, although Jamal Lowe is suspended and Andy Cannon is cup-tied.

Jackett said: “There’s a slight question mark over Louis Dennis, who has a knock on his knee. We’ll wait to see to with him.

“Oli Hawkins and Nathan Thompson are both progressing well, although neither will be available for this weekend.”

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