Pompey are reconsidering introducing a development squad because of the way the football landscape is changing.

It's been talked about in the past but has been put off because of the expense - but now a proposed League One salary cap is a factor in making them think again.

Chief executive Mark Catlin told The News: ‘I have consistently said it is a very expensive exercise and, until the current economic situation sorts itself out, it’s something which has slightly gone on the backburner.

‘But with the salary cap and under-21s being excluded from squad numbers, it is now firmly back on our radar. I would say given the way things are going, it will be something we definitely need to be looking at.

‘As soon as the pandemic looks like it’s clearing and the dust settles in regards of salary caps, this will be firmly back on the agenda to be discussed by the board and the club. Although it’s too late to plan this year.’

He added: ‘I have said all along that to do it properly and recruit the players, prepare the pitches, enter the various leagues and recruit the right assistant manager and manager for that group, it takes time. You are probably looking at a year in preparation.’

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