Pompey pair back to boost Wembley bid

MARC McNULTY is winning his fitness fight for Pompey's play-off campaign.
Kyle Bennett Picture: Joe PeplerKyle Bennett Picture: Joe Pepler
Kyle Bennett Picture: Joe Pepler

And Kyle Bennett is also progressing encouragingly as the pair put themselves in the frame for tomorrow’s Plymouth clash (7.45pm).

Paul Cook was stung by a number of injuries towards the end of the League Two season.

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Bennett has been sidelined since damaging ligaments in his left ankle at York last month.

As a result, he has sat out the past four matches – a period which saw Kal Naismith given a run on the left flank and net twice.

Meanwhile, a hamstring injury sustained against Wycombe has restricted McNulty’s availability.

The on-loan striker bagged an assist in that 2-1 Fratton Park fixture but has not featured since.

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McNulty returned to full training on Monday to bolster Pompey’s striking options for the visit of the Pilgrims.

As for Bennett, he is back running outside as he edges towards being considered by Cook for the two-legged matches.

Another casualty, Matt Clarke, has been receiving treatment at parent club Ipswich.

Pompey are hoping to gauge his level of recovery today as Cook takes a head count among his reduced squad.

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The central defender has missed the past three matches, prompting midfielder Adam Barton to drop back as a replacement.

The Blues will also assess the fitness of Conor Chaplin and Ben Close ahead of tomorrow night’s game.

Chaplin sat out the weekend’s Northampton match with a knock, while Close had to be substituted on the hour mark.

Adam Webster (ankle) is another casualty, while Kieron Freeman is suspended for three matches.