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He can be the Pompey No1

Luke McGee has been given a vote of confidence by boss Kenny Jackett.

The manager feels McGee has every chance of being his first choice stopper next season.

Jackett told The News: ‘Bringing in an experienced goalkeeper is a possibility, I think it could provide some competition, maybe provide a complement.

'There should be competition, it shouldn’t be just one keeper, and he can respond and make sure he fights off that challenge. The development of Alex Bass also has to be in there.

‘Goalkeepers are under quite a lot of scrutiny and Luke hasn’t had a bad season at all. In terms of a shot-stopper, he’s a natural, and his reactions are as quick as anybody I have worked with.

‘Luke McGee is an outstanding shot-stopper, his reactions and ability in that area are terrific and I think our crowd recognise that. There have been certain games he has helped us immensely.

‘With claiming crosses and kicking, it’s always that way with younger goalkeepers, it is something which we have identified needs to come on — and he can and will improve in both areas.

‘His kicking is probably good enough now. Gaining some consistency is his next challenge, but it is good enough. He is tall enough to come and get the crosses as well, he is not suddenly going to turn into a 38-year-old David Forde overnight.

‘I do feel if you can add those things to his high natural ability as a goalkeeper then he will improve. I have a lot of time for him.’

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