Pompey boss not afraid to give key men a rest if they need it
Tuesday, 12th Feb 2019 22:45 by pompey-fans.com staff

Kenny Jackett is considering giving Jamal Lowe and Ronan Curtis a break - and has been for some time.

The attacking duo's loss of their best form has been a major reason why Pompey's results have taken a dip in recent weeks and the manager acknowledges they may need a game or two out of the firing line.

In Lloyd Isgrove and Viv Solomon Otabor - both brought in towards the end of the transfer window - he has ready made replacements. And with a run of five games in 15 days starting this weekend, including the Checkatrade semi-final at Bury, it would not be a surprise to see Lowe and Curtis, both inspirational up to the turn of the year, given rests.

Jackett told The News: 'We always felt they may need a rest at some stage across the second half of the season. Also, you never know what could happen. Look at the Jack Whatmough situation. It’s all okay and all of a sudden you get an injury.

‘In those circumstances we don’t want the club to suffer, because we have so much to play for. That’s a big thing. When you do you squad planning you can never tell when an injury can come around or maybe a personal problem. That’s why you have to try to be ready.

'A fully fit and fresh Jamal Lowe and Ronan Curtis? Yes, definitely. Should that not be the case you need to have players in the building already, because we can’t bring players in.

‘The other part of it as well, is the high quality of those two’s performances this season may have been because they had Andre Green and David Wheeler behind them. Sometimes you shouldn’t underestimate that.

‘When you see an established players and good players in training it does keep you on your toes. Maybe subconsciously it can bring out the best in you.

'People may ask why you bring in players and don’t necessarily use them. You don’t necessarily know that when you do it. But I feel it’s a strength of a good club - and can be a key difference. We want to be as strong as possible through February, March, April and May.’