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Fixture News

Jackett: More Creativity Needed

Boss looks ahead to Doncaster test

1 March 2021

Kenny Jackett
Photo: Joe Pepler/PinPep
Fixture News

Jackett: More Creativity Needed

Boss looks ahead to Doncaster test

1 March 2021

Kenny Jackett wants to see more creativity from his side to revitalise their promotion hopes.

Pompey have stumbled in recent weeks, particularly at home where they have won just one of their past six matches.

But this week sees back-to-back away fixtures against promotion-chasing Doncaster and struggling Northampton.

And Jackett knows they have to showcase more attacking flair in order to remain in contention for automatic promotion.

The Blues boss said: “We took four points from games against Oxford and Gillingham last week and now, ahead of these two matches, the aim has to be to do the same or better.

“There are 16 fixtures left for us and we want to put the kind of run together that keeps us right up there.

“We’re determined to keep competing and it’s important not to let the top two clubs get too far away from you.

“I think we’ve been pretty solid and we’re pleased with the commitment, but we definitely need to be better creatively.

"I think we’ve been pretty solid and we’re pleased with the commitment, but we definitely need to be better creatively."

Kenny Jackett

“We’ve done that at different stages of the season and it’s dried up slightly, so you’re looking for that bit of confidence and final ball to allow us to impose ourselves on the opposition.”

Rovers are two places behind Pompey in sixth position, although manager Darren Moore has left to take charge at Sheffield Wednesday.

Jackett said: “Good luck to Darren because he’s joined a very big club and he deserves it after doing good work with West Brom and Doncaster.

“But it’s not going to change our preparation or how we approach the contest and we know it’s going to be a difficult game.

“They always have been when we’ve gone there, but we’ve got some positive results in the past few years.

“Doncaster have a good squad of players and move the ball around well – they are where they are on merit.

“But we believe we can beat any side in this division if we get our game right – and that’s been proved this season.”

Pompey have no new injury concerns ahead of their trip to the Keepmoat Stadium and Jackett will be selecting from the same squad.

He said: “Tom Naylor got a knock on the back and Ellis Harrison on his knee on Saturday, but both of them will be fit.

“James Bolton had a fitness test before training on Monday, but still wasn’t right. There’s every chance he’ll be fine for the weekend.

“Callum Johnson and Michael Jacobs are still injured, while Alex Bass has gone for a scan. It’s the same leg he’s had problems with.”


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