Cook in race to get loan right-back

Boss Paul Cook is scouring the loan market after Ben Davies picked up a hamstring injury in Tuesday’s goalless draw at Crawley.

The 34-year-old will miss tomorrow’s clash with the Shrimps, the first of three matches in eight days for the Blues.

Sealing a move for a right-back has long been in the thoughts of Cook, who has been patient in waiting to bring in the right candidate.

The matter has now become more pressing and the Pompey boss is eager to attract a new face before tomorrow.

He has until three hours before kick-off to complete a loan signing for the player to be included in the squad to take on Morecambe.

Should Cook not succeed in recruiting a right-back in time, he will have to turn his attention to those already in his ranks.

Gareth Evans filled in for Davies during the final 38 minutes at Crawley.

However, the attacking midfielder was barely called upon to perform much defending as the Blues pushed forward seeking what would have been a winner.

Cook has repeatedly insisted he will not be using Adam Webster as an alternative, although in the short-term that could  change.

The 20-year-old may be establishing himself as a central defender but the majority of his 47 Pompey appearances have come at right-back.

Elsewhere in the squad, first-year professional Snorre Nilsen can play in the role, while Calvin Davies is the Academy’s current right-back regular.

Yet Cook will be hoping to finalise a loan switch during the next 24 hours to include a new signing against Morecambe at Fratton Park.