Town boss Mick McCarthy says Portsmouth can take Town defender Matt Clarke on loan if they want him, the 18-year-old having played for the League Two club on trial in a friendly against Coventry City this evening.

Clarke played the first 74 minutes as Pompey beat the Sky Blues 2-1 at Havant and Waterlooville’s Westleigh Park.

“I think he’s a very talented player and it was sad last year that he had to stick around and be sixth or seventh defender sometimes,” McCarthy said.

“I wasn’t really prepared to let him out because we haven’t got that much back-up, but he needs to play, so if Portsmouth do want him [he can go there on loan].

“He played tonight. [Town scout] Taff [Evans] has gone to watch him and we’ll see how he did. If they want him we’ll do something with him.”

McCarthy admits that there isn’t much defensive experience in his squad aside from his first-choice back four but says he’s in no rush to bring any other defenders in, even if Clarke moves to Fratton Park.

“There isn’t, but I like Josh [Emmanuel] and Myles [Kenlock]. I don’t think they’re going to keep us sustained for a season, but they could pop in and play on odd occasions. Jonny Parr’s to come back, of course.

“I like Josh Yorwerth, I think he’s done all right. I’m not rushing out and getting defenders if Clarkey goes on loan. We’ll see what we’ve got.”

However, he says he's still looking to augment his overall squad: "I’m happier where I am now going into this season than I was this time last year, but I’d like to add two or three new faces.”

In terms of trialists, McCarthy says no one is currently lined up to come in, but that he’d happily take a look at players he’s offered, having signed the likes of Kevin Bru, Adam McDonnell and Dylan Connolly after they impressed last summer.

“The front door’s open at Playford Road,” he added. “If any of them walk in, we’ll have a look at them.”

Photo: Action Images

peaky69 added 23:44 - Jul 21 I'm waiting for the barrage of pleas to "spend the cash" or "get a real rb" after this article. Fact is we were the 6th best defensive team statistically last season and that was with a lb that lost the plot (according to most posters on this site) in the most important game of the season and rb playing out of position (according to every poster on this site). Fact is Mings was marginally more experienced than Hammond, Emmanuel & Kenlock are and he played close to every match. No-one is suggesting any of these three youngsters will play that regularly but who knows, I hope they surprise us. I'm not sure Parr is going to be an adequate replacement for Mings but he did manage to hold that position in a promoted Championship team. I have trust in the experienced back 4 MM has settled on to repeat the defensive statistics of last season and will hedge my bets we score more this season with the inclusions to the team mooted. Final point, Kyle Hammond was touted as a player if immense talent before his injury. I see no reason eh cannot continue down the path he has laid.

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muccletonjoe added 05:32 - Jul 22 Kyle Hammond would be a much better choice than parr in my opinion
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Hally543 added 06:18 - Jul 22 Parr managed to 'hold that position'.....wasn't he palace's player of the season the year before they got promoted?
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SouperJim added 10:26 - Jul 22 Chambo is a very respectable right back, however, our best central defensive pairing is Chambo on the right and Berra on the left. Smith is an absolute warrior, but he struggles at times playing on the right. That is the reason we need to sign a right back, not to mention the fact we have no experienced cover in any defensive position.
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BlueSwede added 17:35 - Jul 22 I see Stephen Kelly has rejected a new contract with Reading who has said he will be leaving. Rightback - check. Irish international - check. Free agent - check. Good deal - check.
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wessextractorboy added 20:14 - Jul 22 I saw young Clarkey in the Hotel I was staying in in Southsea last night. He was with the rest of the Pompey squad.
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