Hyam set for Pompey bow with reserves

PAUL COOK has promised to send out a powerful side as Pompey bid to make the Premier League Cup group stages.
Reading loanee Dominic HyamReading loanee Dominic Hyam
Reading loanee Dominic Hyam

The Blues’ reserves face Barnsley at Westleigh Park on Monday (7pm kick-off) as they aim to progress from the final qualifying round meeting.

Supporters are set to get their first glimpse of Dominic Hyam, following his arrival from Reading on loan until January.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He is likely to partner Matt Clarke in the middle of defence, with Conor Chaplin also earmarked for a runout.

Chaplin could link up with Noel Hunt up front, with Ben Close, Adam May, Liam O’Brien and Ben Tollitt also set to feature.

Pompey will keep close tabs on Brandon Haunstrup and Adam Buxton as they recover from injury before deciding whether to give them playing time.

Kyle Bennett is another player who has not been featuring much for the first team of late.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cook is hoping for a decent turnout for a game which provides a useful opportunity to get minutes into his players.

He said: ‘It’s a terrific game for our lads.

‘You don’t want matches where players are going through the motions – and these are proper games.

‘So a good crowd to come out at Havant and back the lads would be good.

‘We could nearly field a team of completely under-age players. That’s a great credit to the club.

‘We’d play the same changes in the Checkatrade Trophy.

‘So our lads are now getting good game minutes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘It was a great game against Southend. A proper football match.

‘It was enjoyable – and this one will be the same.’

A win for Pompey would see them pitted against Norwich, Wolves and Everton in the group stages of the under-23 competition which allows three over-age outfield players and an over-age keeper.

Cook said: ‘Norwich, Wolves and Everton. It’s a great group – so we’re going to do our best to get through.’

– JORDAN CROSS