Pompey squad takes shape in Ireland

POMPEY today fly to Ireland to begin their pre-season training camp.
Pompey triallist Roarie Deacon Picture: Ian HargreavesPompey triallist Roarie Deacon Picture: Ian Hargreaves
Pompey triallist Roarie Deacon Picture: Ian Hargreaves

And the state of the Blues’ squad is expected to really begin to take shape as Paul Cook’s men travel across the Irish Sea.

Who Cook chooses to take with him ahead of the two matches against Sligo Rovers and Bohemians will be revealing to his plans for the new season.

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It is expected transfer-listed players Adam McGurk, Matt Tubbs and Kal Naismith will be left in England.

Cook is keen for them to find new clubs and doesn’t want them involved in his senior set-up.

Pompey have also had triallists training with them over recent days.

Chris Sessegnon and Roarie Deacon are aiming to win deals to join the Blues’ bid to get out of League Two at the fourth attempt. Curtis Main is close to joining from Doncaster.

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Who will be on the flight from Southampton will be telling to who’s impressed Cook.

The Pompey boss also needs to remedy his lack of goalkeeping options ahead of the Sligo warm-up on Wednesday.

Paul Jones and Alex Bass have both been recovering from injuries over the close season.

Jones (thigh) and Bass (knee) are back in training, but Cook has made it clear he wants a further addition, with Bass expected to be sent out on loan to gain experience.

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The players currently in the treatment room are not expected to be on the flight to Ireland.

That means Matt Clarke (thigh) and Gareth Evans (knee) will stay behind.

Danny Hollands is also recovering from a ankle injury as he waits to see if he will be at Fratton Park next season.

– JORDAN CROSS