Kenny Jackett does not want Pompey fans getting too excited about Brett Pitman's vow that he will be fit to face Plymouth on Saturday.

The Blues boss has promised not to take any risk if he and his staff do not think the top scorer is ready to return to action when the Pilgrims visit Fratton Park.

Pitman missed the clash at Peterborough on Tuesday, which Pompey lost 2-1, after scoring the winner in Saturday's 1-0 home win over Southend. He had picked up a hamstring problem but has now said he expects to be over it and able to take his place for the Plymouth game.

Jackett told The News: ‘The positive is it is Thursday and he is saying he will be fit — which shows his attitude. We won’t take any risks with a hamstring. It will be a decision between now and Saturday morning as to whether he is fit.

'I will be rating him as doubtful. It will be a doubt that he plays but we will see. After that, as with Tuesday, we have to work out a way of getting the goals and being a goalscoring threat without him.’

Curtis Main filled in for Pitman up front on Tuesday but Conor Chaplin staked his claim for a starting spot with a goal as a second half sub. Oli Hawkins is another contender for the No9 role but will probably be needed in defence with Christian Burgess banned.

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