On-loan Town centre-half Matt Clarke could be in League Two play-off action when Portsmouth take on Plymouth in the first leg of their semi-final at Fratton Park this evening (Sky Sports Two, from 7.30pm).

Clarke has recently been back at Portman Road undergoing treatment on a groin injury but was back in training with Pompey yesterday and is likely to at least be in the 18.

The 19-year-old has been with the Hampshire club on loan for the whole season and has made 30 starts and three sub appearances, scoring the one goal.

Speaking towards the end of last month, manager Mick McCarthy said Clarke is very much in his thoughts for next season having impressed during his time with Pompey.

“Certainly Clarkey’s done really well when we’ve had him watched and I thought that would be the case,” McCarthy said.

“He’ll come back, we’ll take them back in pre-season and we’ll look at all of them that are been out on loan, the ones we’re thinking may well be [in next season’s squad].

“He has to come back in pre-season and make sure he’s fitter, stronger, looks the part, plays in the pre-season games.

“I won’t be doing any loaning him out before that. I want to see if he can play in the first team.”

Pompey, who finished sixth in League Two and also feature ex-Blues keeper Brian Murphy and former winger Gary Roberts, travel to Home Park for the second leg on Sunday.

Photo: Action Images

Cakeman added 12:30 - May 12 I would like to see him given a run of games not just the odd appearance in our first team next season to see how he does in The Championship. Has a lot of potential and seemingly has had a good season at Portsmouth which will have helped him no end. We need freshening up in the centre of defence so Clarke may be just the man.
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iaintaylorx added 13:49 - May 12 Looking forward to getting Clarke back and I have high hopes for him. Hopefully, he shows the gaffer what he is capable and get in the squad ahead of some of the current back for!!
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WeWereZombies added 09:11 - May 13 Unfortunately did not get into final 18 (neither did Murphy but Roberts played the full 90 minutes without getting booked and scored from the penalty spot). Back from injury too soon?
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