Paul Jones set for Pompey recall

That is the contingency plan when Ryan Fulton next week departs for international duty.

Fulton has been named in the Scotland under-21 squad for Euro 2017 qualifiers with France and Northern Ireland.

It means he is ruled out of Pompey action for the Good Friday visit of Notts County and the Easter Monday trip to AFC Wimbledon.

The Liverpool loanee’s unavailability is a blow to Paul Cook, who has been impressed with the youngster’s contribution during the last 11 matches.

However, he is prepared to recall Jones from Crawley to fill the goalkeeping vacancy.

The 29-year-old has been an ever-present for the Reds since joining on an initial one-month loan in February.

That has since been extended to a second month, with Jones making seven appearances to date.

Pompey, though, have the option of a 24-hour recall, an arrangement Cook is poised to invoke after this weekend.

With Brian Murphy not expected to return to training for another two weeks following his calf problem, he is ruled out of the equation.

The other alternative would be to throw in highly-regarded Pompey Academy keeper Alex Bass for his debut – a gamble at such an important stage of the campaign.

Crucially for Cook, Jones has been playing regularly and can effectively slot straight into the Blues’ side.

Jones, who made 52 appearances last term, has endured a frustrating second season, hampered by knee ligament damage.

He is out of contract this summer.