Blues assess emergency options in hunt for solution to crisis position

Pompey are running the rule over Academy talent as they explore every potential left-back option.

- by Neil Allen

John Mousinho has been challenged to come up with a contingency plan, with Connor Ogilvie out for up to three months through a knee injury and Jacob Farrell still sidelined.

That has prompted them to cast their eye over Sam Hudson's youngsters, with promising duo Ciaran Martin and Beau Mullins, pictured right, the under-18s' left-backs at present.

Both second-year scholars featured in Pompey's preseason last summer, while have spent time on loan with local non-league clubs this term.

Indeed, Moneyfields were denied the chance to keep the impressive Martin beyond an initial one-month loan, with the Blues wanting him back earlier this month.

The former West Ham youngster, who previously shone in two spells at the John Jenkins Stadium last season, recently made eight appearances for the high-flying Isthmian South Central side.