Wednesday is D-day for Brett Pitman and Lee Brown as they bid to prove they are fit to return to the Pompey side for the play-off semi-final second leg against Sunderland.

The duo were big misses in the first leg at the Stadium of Light on Saturday and many would expect both to go straight back into the starting line-up on Thursday if fit.

Kenny Jackett issued an update to the press on Tuesday about Brown, who missed Saturday with an Achilles injury, and Pitman, who was out with a hamstring problem, telling www.portsmouthfc.co.uk: 'Both of them are progressing well and have been working outside, without being involved with the rest of the group.

'There will be a chance for them to return to full training on Wednesday and that will be their fitness test. We’ll have to wait and see how they are. They’re both in with a shout at the moment, but until they go flat out, we won’t know.

'We’re hoping that they’ll be available, although if not, someone else will step in and have to do a job.'

Anton Walkes filled in at left-back on Wearside with Brown and his natural deputy Brandon Haunstrup both out, while Gareth Evans got the nod behind Oli Hawkins in place of Pitman.

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