Portsmouth head coach Danny Cowley has admitted that the club are currently looking to sanction a temporary exit for Harry Jewitt-White.

Whilst the midfielder has yet to make an appearance for Pompey in the third-tier this season, he has been given the opportunity to showcase his talent in the EFL Trophy.

After featuring for the club in their 5-3 defeat to AFC Wimbledon, Jewitt-White played against Crystal Palace's Under-21 outfit in November before making his third appearance in the competition earlier this month.

Utilised as a substitute during the closing stages of Portsmouth's 3-2 victory over Exeter City, the 17-year-old would have been hoping to play a role in the club's third-round clash with Cambridge United.

However, he was left out of the match-day squad for this fixture as Pompey suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the U's.

Portsmouth will be looking to seal all three points in their showdown with AFC Wimbledon tomorrow when they head to the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

Ahead of this fixture, Cowley has shared an update on Jewitt-White's situation at the club.

Speaking to The News about the teenager, Cowley said: "Our aim now is to get Harry out on loan, probably at the back of the window when things settle down.

"We have huge aspirations for him, he's training with us pretty much every day.

"We're stretching him on the training pitch, what's now needed is getting him some really challenging senior football.

"There's a lot of interest in him, so now it's about picking the right pathway for him.

"He's ready for the next stages of his development, which is to go out and play regular senior football - and he's fighting for a professional contract."

The Verdict

When you consider that Jewitt-White is unlikely to make any inroads on the club's starting eleven during the remainder of the campaign, it is hardly a surprise that Portsmouth are looking to send him out on loan.

By sanctioning a move to a team who are willing to provide Jewitt-White with the opportunity to play regular first-team football, Pompey could help the midfielder reach new heights in terms of his development.

If Jewitt-White does improve during his time away from Fratton Park, he could be rewarded with a professional contract.

A successful stint with a team in a lower division will also put him in good stead to challenge for a place in Pompey's match-day squad later this year.