Kenny Jackett has dropped a big hint he could be ready to try a 3-4-3 formation in the League - after its success in the EFL Trophy.

The new-look set-up was used as the Blues strolled to a 3-0 victory at Southend to extend their unbeaten run in the competition to 1,000 days.

Hadji Mnoga and Rasmus Nicolaisen were among the players who slotted in well, while Ben Close did well on a rare outing in midfield.

Boss Jackett told the Pompey website: 'We really built up a head of steam and by the end, we could have scored even more goals if we’d been a bit more ruthless. The game gave us a chance to look at some of the players who haven’t had too many minutes yet this season.

'We haven’t got too many injuries at the moment, so it left us strong — and long may that continue because it could be key to success. We were also able to change the system to a 3-4-3 and have a look at that, to see if it can help us in the league.

'Rasmus coming in a naturally left-sided centre-back does give us the option to go that way. It was a very solid debut for him. John worked really hard and led the line well for us. He scored one and was unlucky not to add even more. If he continues to work as hard as that, then the goals will definitely come.

'Haji did well down the right for us. He won us the penalty that led to the first goal and put in some really good crosses. He’s got a lot of potential and has benefitted from having his first pre-season with the pros — both as a player and a person.

“We’ve had offers to loan him out and that’s not necessarily something we want to do. You can see his progress and his confidence.”

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