Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett is keen to see former Millwall defender James Meredith in action before he makes a decision on the defender's future, as reported by the Portsmouth News.

The Australian is a free agent after leaving the Den earlier in the year and has been on trial at Fratton Park for a while now. Jackett made a move for the 31-year-old after seeing Lee Brown pick up an early-season injury.

However, the former Wolves boss is in no mood to hand out a deal without seeing him in action. There are games coming up for Pompey in which Meredith can feature, specifically reserve matches and the Hampshire Senior Cup.

Jackett believes that is the time to have a look at the defender.

"There are some games coming up – and that’s the plan with James," he said. "His situation is that, after maybe 2-3 weeks of training to get up to speed, the back end will then see him play a game or two.

"At that point, we will be able to reassess him and work James towards full fitness to get the best out of him."

Despite wanting to have a closer look at the player, Jackett is resigned to losing him if another club comes in for him during the interim period.

"We do understand that if something comes up in the meantime then he will speak to the another club, I do see that."

Meredith, who has been capped twice by the Soccerroos, played almost 400 games for York City and Bradford City combined, before a move to Millwall where he made 85 appearances.

The Verdict

Kenny Jackett is a cautious man, someone who spends time on his transfer dealings and who is always keen to make sure any move fits both the rest of the squad and his own needs.

If that means losing out on the left-back, so be it.

James Meredith has had a decent career, but his experience beyond the third tier is limited and that might be a factor in the decision.

With Brandon Haunstrup fighting for a first-team place and Brown eventually due back, any move for Meredith might have to be a short term deal. That might not fit with the player's desire for somewhere to settle and play football.