Kenny Jackett's verdict on whether Portsmouth's Danish new boy Rasmus Nicolaisen is ready to halt high-flying Lincoln
Rasmus Nicloaisen is ready to show Pompey fans what he can do.
And the Danish defender has received the backing of Kenny Jackett, who believes the time’s right for him to step up and aid the Blues’ promotion bid.
Nicolaisen is set to come into the heart of Pompey’s defence as they go to high-flying Lincoln tomorrow night.
The 23-year-old is likely to replace Jack Whatmough at Sincil Bank, after he was taken off at half-time of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Charlton with a hamstring injury.
Pompey fans have been waiting to see what the loanee from FC Midtjylland can do, after being restricted to a EFL Trophy start and a trio of substitute appearances.
Now they are going to get that opportunity, as Nicolaisen is given the task of halting League One’s early-season top scorer in the shape of Lincoln’s Jorge Grant.
After taking some time to adapt to the English game, Jackett feels it’s a chance the former Denmark age-group international is ready for.
He said: ‘It’s a hamstring strain for Jack. How long he’ll be out for, I don’t know.
‘It’s a strain so he’ll have a scan and we’ll see how it is, but Rasmus did fine.
‘It’s taken a bit of time for him to find his feet, but he’s a good player.
‘I think the more he can play now, the better he can get.
‘I have faith in him, yes. In terms of his overall game, 23 years’ old, he’s a good prospect for us.
‘He’s had some substitute appearance and watched games, so it’s not new to him.
‘We did want a naturally left-footed centre-back if possible, so we’re pleased to bring him in.
‘I do feel he’s ready to go in now. He’s had enough of a transition from Denmark.’
Nicolaisen coming into the heart of the defence is likely to see Sean Raggett move across to the right side of a central partnership against Michael Appleton’s side.
That was the case on Saturday, as the summer signing from Norwich continues to produce form to please his manager.
Jackett feels Raggett has been one of his side’s top performers this season, and has no issue using him either side of a central defensive two.
He added: ‘I think Sean has been pretty much outstanding for us.
‘At Sunderland he was different class and there’s been some really big performances from him.
‘I think he’ll be fine right or left, wherever we put him.’
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