Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett has admitted he's been left in the lap of the gods when it comes to the future of loan signing Ross McCrorie this coming January, as reported by the Portsmouth News.

Pompey suffered last season by losing Ben Thompson and Andre Green through recalls and Jackett was keen to ensure there wasn't an option with any players he brought in this summer.

He's secured deals for Sean Raggett from Norwich and McCrorie from Rangers, but he's admitted in the case of the latter, there is an option for a recall.

"There is an option to recall him in January," confirmed Jackett. "We have two long-term loans at the moment, in Sean Raggett there isn’t (an option) and in McCrorie there is. We hope lightning doesn't strike twice."

21-year-old McCrorie turned out 20 times for the Ibrox giants last season and already Jackett is impressed with what he's seen from the Scottish Under 20 international.

"I’ve been impressed with Ross early on, it’s exciting to see him play, he’s a player that gives us good options.

"Ross gives you a little bit of everything in midfield, he’s a very, very good all-round midfield player. We do think he can develop in terms of his forward play, not just holding, he has the athleticism and power to get forward and get on the end of things."

Pompey missed out on promotion last season after failing to get past Sunderland in a two-legged semi-final, but they did taste Wembley joy in April beating the same opponents in the EFL Trophy final.

The Verdict

It's a big risk having a recall option, but you have to wonder if that was one of the conditions of bringing him to Fratton Park. after all, he seemed on the fringe of a run in the Rangers team and is something of a coup signing for Pompey.

They've got four holding midfielders now and that suggests Jackett is sticking to his tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation. The argument amongst some observers is that they're not showing enough penetration going forward at home, which the formation has to take the blame for.

A side at the top of the table needs to be more adventurous when on their home turf. Playing two holding midfielders is great away, but it leads to home draws.

Kenny Jackett might not have much time left as manager if they get off to a poor start.