ALAN BALL had a fruitless trip to Kent yesterday to watch a trio of triallists in action for Pompey Reserves.

Pompey shoehorned a Finn, a Norwegian and a Portuguese into the line-up but after watching them in action against Gillingham Ball won't exactly be rushing to sign them.

"They weren't up to it at all and they won't be coming back," said manager Ball, who is normally a bit cloudy over the spelling of foreign names but didn't even bother to find out these players names."

Pompey lost 1-0.

Meanwhile the shifting of Pompey's game at West Bromwich Albion to Sunday could be a blessing in disguise for Ball's injury situation.

"I may have one or two of my injured players back for Sunday, the extra 24 hours might just give them a chance of being fit," hinted Ball.

Although the boss wouldn't name names, Jeff Peron must be among those close to fitness while Ball should be able to welcome back Sammy Igoe, who pulled out of Tuesday's 1-0 defeat at Fulham after his girlfriend gave birth.

Norwegian defender Tommy Berntsen is still undergoing treatment after picking up an ankle injury in training.

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