Jack Whatmough's imminent return to Pompey's first team could be just what's needed to strengthen the Blues backline.

So says Joe Gallen as he gets ready to give the young defender his first taste of first-team action after nearly six months out with knee damage.

Whatmough would have travelled with the squad to Bradford had the game not been one of many to be called off because of ice and snow.

Pompey have not kept a clean sheet in their last 14 games - the 1-0 win at home to Bury on December 16 was the last time they did - and there are increasing worries their defence is not sturdy enough.

Gallen told The News: 'Jack has trained for a while — and trained very well — while he played against Leicester last month. If you speak to Jack he’s ready to play — and I think he is ready to play.

‘Eventually, he has to get on with it really because he’s had the build up, he’s had the week’s training, he’s had part of the game and he’s played in the 11v11 in training. At some stage he is going to have to play, we cannot do another week’s training, he’s had a number of weeks now and looks good.

'Maybe he is what we have been missing. Jack played very well at the start of the season, but has had quite a number of serious knee injuries now. Speak to him and he will say “I’ve got to get out there and do it”.

‘There is no point us hiding him too much more, there is only so much training you can do. We have to find out — and he is desperate to find out. He is really pushing it.'

* The visit to Bradford has been rearranged for Tuesday, April 17 - which will give the Blues three away games in 11 days.

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