Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett has backed loan defender Sean Raggett to be a success at Fratton Park, despite his recent injury woes, as reported by the Portsmouth News.

The Norwich City man joined on a season-long loan this summer but missed part of the pre-season build-up with an elbow injury. That's meant he's been left out of their opening two league fixtures, but the manager is now backing him to have a major impact for Pompey.

"The lad missed a bit of pre-season, not much of it, due to an elbow injury and, while it has been slightly sore and not broken, it has been very sensitive and restricted his movement," said the former Millwall boss.

"It's improving all the time. Whereas if he now fell on it and got another knock I think it would be sore but wouldn't come off, he is tough enough to go through that last bit of pain. Sean has full range of movement when running and moving, which is very important for that type of injury."

Following on from those concerns, Jackett ensured the former Lincoln City man got some time at the end of the EFL Cup win last week, giving him a taste of what's to come.

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"Although it was only five minutes against Birmingham, I wanted to give Sean a little a taste of the atmosphere," he said.

"He is a slightly different type of centre-back to the others, but similarly an effective one, and one that will be pushing hard to get into the team.

"He probably has a little more power in terms of both boxes and the first ball, that will be a major strength."

Raggett was an unused substitute at the weekend as Portsmouth beat Tranmere 2-0, but hasn't been lucky with injuries. He saw a loan spell at Rotherham cut short last season after needing an ankle operation.

The Verdict

Sean Raggett has the potential to be a top defender. He likes to bring the ball out of defence and he has a languid style that doesn't do his ability any justice.

He's tough too, a typical no-nonsense centre back who is commanding in the air and will always put his face in where it's needed with no fear of injury.

If he gets a decent run in the Pompey first team he could be a major player for them. He's just got to steer clear of injury, it blighted a promising spell with Rotherham and he won't want to endure the same fate twice.