Kenny Jackett believes a secret friendly at Reading has helped Pompey's preparations fot the play-offs.

The Blues lost 3-1 to their Championship hosts - with Oli Hawkins on target - but Jackett found it useful to give 23 players game time, with the two play-off semi-final legs against Oxford now less than three weeks away.

Jackett told the club website: 'It was a very good workout. We used 23 players and gave most of them equal time, with two young lads — Harvey Rew and Alfie Stanley — splitting a half. But the main reason for the game is to get our best side up to speed ahead of the Oxford game and we haven’t got the time to build up as we usually would in pre-season.

'We’re coming in against a side at a very good level — Reading put their strongest side out and we’re very thankful to them. It was a high-quality game and I was pleased with the effort, application and response from the players.

'Our focus is on getting ready to face Oxford and balancing making sure all players are fit, while also working on shape and marrying our best side together. There are three weeks to go and we need to be able to hit the ground running, so Reading was a big test for us.

'We haven’t taken any risks (with injuries). Ronan Curtis was very close for us and should be back training next week.'

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