Boss mulls over Pompey six appeal

Pompey could give debuts to six players against Hartlepool tomorrow following their sudden squad influx.

Yassin Moutaouakil and Shaun Cooper both arrived at Pompey yesterday.

They join James Keene, Adam Reed, Frankie Sutherland and Sam Sodje in linking up with the Blues in recent weeks.

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So far successive matches called off through bad weather have delayed several Pompey bows.

But with tomorrow’s visit of League One’s bottom club expected to take place, there will be plenty of new faces on show.

And Whittingham admitted the sextet all have points to prove.

‘They are in a situation where they want to prove things,’ he said.

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‘You’ve got young lads who want to show they can play at this level and senior players who want to show they can still run around and make it.

‘Hopefully they can help each other and be successful in what they want to do.

‘In training on Thursday we saw some strongish challenges, determined faces and some good running.

‘That is what competition for places brings.

‘We have to make sure we keep that to bring the best out of people.

‘They know the challenge here.

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‘They can get their teeth into something and be part of a team – and a club – that is being challenged.

‘You are not getting people here who just want to come and play football until the end of the season.’

Meanwhile, Benjani has left after spending the past two weeks training with Pompey.

Whittingham had made it clear there would be no contract, although the veteran striker was eager to maintain his fitness.

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