Pompey head to The Valley on Saturday without Jack Whatmough.

The defender will miss the next three games - that's the visit to Charlton and the home games against Plymouth and Swindon the following Saturday and Tueday, February 6 and 9.

That is because Pompey's appeal against his red card at home to Lincoln on Tuesday night has been rejected by the FA.

The refusal will disappoint Kenny Jackett, who was clear that he felt the sending-off was harsh. He said on the night: 'I was expecting a yellow card and was surprised to see a red. Up until that point, it was an even game.

'The sending off was the big incident and we will be appealing the decision. It’s quite clear on the replay that he got the ball. But the sending off was the big incident and we will be appealing the decision. It’s quite clear on the replay that he got the ball.

Meanwhile new recruit Charlie Daniels insists that, despite the week's two home defeats, the Blues are in a strong place to challenge for promotion over the second half of the season.

He told the club website: 'We’re midway through the season now and are in a great position, so we need to do the same in the second half. You play football because you want to win and be part of a squad that enjoys success. That’s never changed for me.

'I thought Lee Brown played really well and I know it’s going to be a push to get into the side. But as long as this club gets promoted, then I’ll be happy.'

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