Duncan Barkes

So, Nathan Thompson, 10 out of 10 on your observation.

We need bodies in the box.

The clamour for Ali to become a permanent Pompey player have got louder and louder with his performances, and now they've reached a crescendo as a result of the news about Josh Murphy.

Out for the season, hopefully back next season, but in need of cover.

And Ali is somebody who presumably could function just as well on the right, he being a right-footed player, as on the left, and that would be a potent wing pair.

Murphy on the left and Ali on the right.

So all that stands in the way is, first of all, his agreement, secondly, Luton's agreement, and thirdly, the Eisner's agreement to write however big a cheque would be required.

He's got three years left, as he says, on his Luton contract.

as big a check as is required to bring him here on a permanent basis.

Trying to be clear about this, that game could have been played at three o'clock in the afternoon because it's happening on a Monday.

It's only Saturday three o'clock kick-offs that are supposed not to be televised.

But obviously Sky wanted some good game options for viewers around the world at 12.30 in the morning and as well at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

And we got picked as being one of those that they wanted to have scheduled at 12.30 in order to satisfy television's needs, pure and simple.

But on to the kick-off thing.

For Pompey, we've got five home games left, not counting Ipswich.

And we're playing Swansea at 7.45 on a Tuesday.

Derby at 8pm on a Monday.

Oxford now at 12.30 on a Monday.

Leicester at 3 o'clock.

The only 3 o'clock Fratton Park kick-off we've got left.