One Blues midfielder expected back - another may arrive soon
Wednesday, 24th Jan 2018 22:15 by pompey-fans.com staff

Reports are linking Pompey with a transfer window move for Derby midfielder Jamie Hanson - as Kenny Jackett speaks of his belief Stuart O'Keefe will play again.

There's plenty of focus on the midfield ranks at the moment after O'Keefe and Danny Rose both suffered long-term injuries.

Rose won't be back any time soon as he recovers from a fracture sustained in a drop-ball incident against Northampton at the end of December.

O'Keefe has had surgery on a groin problem but is unlikely to be back before April, leaving Jackett short of options in the centre of the park.

The News says Pompey are monitoring Derby’s Hanson, who has made 28 appearances for the Rams since emerging through their youth team.

He is primarily a midfielder but can also operate in defence. At 22 he is a player Derby rate highly but they are believed to be open to the idea of a loan.

Jackett is hopeful O'Keefe will play again this season, telling The News: ‘I don’t know really the precise date, although he had an operation last week and the surgeon which carried it out estimated that it’s a 10-12 week recovery.

‘He also said the quickest anyone has done it is eight weeks before returning to training. That’s the information we have and that is what we are basing it on at the moment.’