PORTSMOUTH manager Paul Cook wants to use the club’s links with Aldershot Town to aid the development of his young players.

The relationship between the two Hampshire clubs could get stronger because Gary Waddock, who has returned to Aldershot for a second spell as manager, was assistant to former Pompey boss Andy Awford last season and briefly took over as caretaker after Awford’s departure.

Cook told Portsmouth’s website that he had already discussed the possibility of loaning some of his promising young players to the Shots next season.

“Looking at the size of our squad, you have to consider players like Adam May and decide what is best for their future. He is such a good, young player, as is Brandon Haunstrup, and if these lads don’t play regularly it is not good.

“Down the road at Aldershot there is Gary Waddock now and that is going to be a good link for us. It’s a natural place for them to play and Gary wants to play footy. It’s also a good level of football, so I would imagine Portsmouth and Aldershot will have a good link.”

One Portsmouth player already familiar to Aldershot fans has been tipped for a bright future.

Central defender Adam Webster, who played 24 games for the Shots while on loan during the 2013-14 season, has joined Ipswich in a deal which will see £500,000 and Matt Clarke coming to Portsmouth in exchange.

Webster, 21, now has the chance to play regular Championship football and it is believed his progress will be tracked by more than one Premier League club.