Pompey could have two Ipswich players in their squad by the time the League Two season begins.

Hopes that Paiul Cook will add central-defender Matt Clarke to his ranks in a loan deal, as well as bringing in keeper Brian Murphy to vie for the No1 jersey with Paul Jones, appear to be rising.

Town boss Mick McCarthy said of Clarke, who has played in Pompey's last two friendlies: 'He’ll be going on loan when I’m ready to do it. I need to make sure I’m OK first. He’ll probably be there before the season starts, certainly for the first game of the season.

'They’re delighted with him and I really want him to get some football because he’s a great kid and he’s a good player and he needs to play at a professional level. So he will go, but I just need to try and make sure I’m covered.'

Murhpy played at Woking amid talk that Cook wants to put the pressure on Jones ad not guarantee him the No1 spot before a ball is kicked.

A Tractor Boys source said: 'Murphy did really well for us, and was unlucky to be here when Roy Keane was in charge. He turned down an apparently derisory contract shortly after recovering from a bad injury under Paul Jewell.'

There was talk Murphy was at onme point close to joining a Championship club.

Pompey are next in friendly action at Gillingham next Saturday - then the League Two kick off follows a week later.

Follow @Pompey_Fans

Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles

Photo: Action Images

Portsmouth Polls