Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton says he’s confident that Town target Joel Ward will remain at Fratton Park despite holding talks with Blues manager Paul Jewell on Sunday. The 22-year-old was in action in Pompey’s midfield last night as they beat Birmingham 4-1 at home.

Appleton is hopeful that Ward will still be in his squad after Thursday’s 5pm loan deadline: “Joel had a chat at Ipswich on Sunday. But at the end of the day he is very committed, as you probably saw from the performance last night.

“He doesn’t want to go anywhere, he wants to stay and fight. Hopefully we are in a position where there is enough money in the kitty to keep us going until April 28.

“I am confident Joel will stay. I am confident we are in a position where we might be able to keep him.”

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