Jack Whatmough will have to wait for his first taste of match action in nearly nine months.

The defender had been pencilled in for at least a 15-minute showing in a Pompey friendly with Bournemouth on Tuesday afternoon.

But eventually it was decided he should continue to build up his training regime, although it would appear likely his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury suffered in a 2-2 draw with Cheltenham in March will be put to the test in a reserve friendly within the next couple of weeks if one can be arranged.

Another injury returnee, Jayden Stockley, was picked and he was among the scorers in the 3-3 draw.

That adds to Paul Cook's options up front ahead of Saturday's home FA Cup clash with Accrington Stanley.

An own goal and a strike from another young player pushing for involvement on Saturday, Conor Chaplin, in addition to Stockley's goal, helped Pompey to the draw.

Meanwhile the Blues have announced their youth team will host Mancheester City in the FA Youth Cup at Fratton on Tuesday, December 15 with a 7pm kick-off.

Tickets will be £4 for adults, £2 concessions.

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