Kenny Jackett's message to Portsmouth midfielder Adam May over his Fratton future
Adam May has been told he needs to quickly find first-team football.
But the midfielder has been told the door’s not yet shut for him at Fratton Park.
Kenny Jackett has explained the 22-year-old is unlikely to force his way in the manager’s plans this term, however.T
The Pompey boss is still keen to assess the academy product, with his existing deal coming to a close in the summer.
May spent the first half of the campaign with Swindon, but was limited to 13 appearances with the League Two leaders.
A trial with Crawley didn’t lead to anything developing for the man who’s made 30 Pompey appearances.
There was National League interest in May before the transfer deadline and the cut-off for signings at that level on March 26 is getting closer.
Jackett said: ‘He needs to play because getting into our midfield will be tough if he stays here.
‘He went to Swindon and didn’t play so we’ll be saying between now and the end of the season he needs to get out and play.
‘That’s the best thing for him and Portsmouth
‘He will get out but it’s just at what level.
‘Go somewhere and do well. It’s a big thing not just for him but us. Go and go and play well.
‘He needs that chance and an opportunity.
‘It didn’t work out at Swindon and the season runs away pretty quickly.
‘So he needs to get out and play, it’s just at what club.Then we can assess and watch him.’
Despite his chances at Pompey looking limited, Jackett is refusing to rule out May staying at Pompey beyond the summer.
He feels there’s a lot which can change between now and the end of the campaign.
Jackett added: ‘The Portsmouth door’s not closed yet. No way.
‘We’re in a situation where how things look now and the summer can be totally different.
‘We would keep our options open, but for him it would be great if he could play and we could assess him at whatever level.
‘Then we can assess his future off the back of that.’