Lee Bradbury has spoken of his delight at securing the services on loan of Pompey defender Jack Whatmough.

The teenager will spend the next month with the Westleigh Park club building up his fitness ahead of a challenge for a first-team spot at Fratton.

Whatmough has been out since last March, when he suffered damaged knee ligaments in a home game against Cheltenham.

Bradbury told The News: ‘I have watched Jack come through the ranks at Fratton Park and he is a good player. After his injury, Pompey are obviously looking to get him some game time. They know we do things the right way at our club and we will look after him.

‘It is too good an opportunity to miss because he is a great prospect. He has always been a big lad for his age and he is an intelligent footballer. Until he got injured, he was making a big impression at Pompey. That is old news now, though, and Jack knows he has to work hard to earn that reputation again.’

Mreanwhile the Blues have been linked with a January bid for Swindon striker Michael Smith, whose goals helped Town to the play-offs last season but who has struggled on loan at Barnsley this season. Scunthorpe of League One are also interested.

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