Shock return for Pompey keeper

Jones is in line to make a shock comeback into the Blues squad against Northampton.

And that will halt Paul Cook’s search for another man between the sticks.

It was feared Jones’ season was over after injuring his thigh at AFC Wimbledon last month.

But Cook stated there has been positive news for the 28-year-old after a second scan on the problem.

That’s a big boost ahead of next week’s play-off showdown with Plymouth.

Ryan Fulton (hamstring) and Alex Bass (knee) remain out of contention for Pompey.

That gave a threadbare look to the keeping options with Jones out.

But Cook is confident the former Crawley man will solve any concerns in that area.

He said: ‘Jones is looking very good at the minute. It looks like he’ll make it.

‘He’s come on leaps and bounds with his thigh. He’s looking positive to come in.

‘That puts that (looking for a keeper) on the backburner, which is good for us.

‘He’s had it rescanned and he’s pleased with it now.

‘Obviously it’s sore, as you would expect.

‘He’s obviously not going to be 100 per cent, but it’s not going to stop him playing.

‘He’s ready. If he comes through training okay he’ll play.’

News of Jones’ progress arrives after keeper Darryl Flahavan yesterday suffered a freak injury with Pompey.

Flahavan suffered a suspected ankle ligament injury after catching his ankle in a mannequin used for training ground drills.

The 37-year-old has been training with the Blues since January, and was being weighed up as an option by Cook.

- JORDAN CROSS