Portsmouth forward David Wheeler has been recalled from his loan spell at Fratton Park by parent club Queens Park Rangers. 

The 28-year-old played 18 times for Kenny Jackett's side during the course of his time with the League One leaders scoring twice, once in the EFL Trophy and once in the FA Cup.

Wheeler had previously made just nine appearances for QPR before making the move to the south coast but will be hoping to be utilised a bit more on his return to Steve McClaren's side.

His last act as a Portsmouth player was to send them through to the semi-finals of the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night, scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory against Peterborough United.

Portsmouth currently sit top of the League One table with 28 matches played but just one point clear of second-placed Luton Town and just four ahead of Sunderland who are third.

Jackett's side have experienced a bit of a wobble recently, losing their last two League One matches to Oxford United and Blackpool.

The verdict 

This is not a big loss at all to Pompey.

Yes, it leaves them a little short of options in attack but with Hawkins consistently starting this season with someone of Bret Pittman's calibre coming off the bench it should not affect them too much.

Jackett should look to bring in another forward, but it is not a matter of urgency.