PORTLAND United boss Gary Bailey is hopeful that his team’s mini- break in fixtures this week will benefit his squad.

The Blues, who beat Andover Town 2-1 on Saturday, are currently undergoing a 10-day spell out of match action until Tuesday, when they host Brendon King’s Hamworthy United at Grove Corner (3pm).

The island outfit’s squad was slightly stretched in their win at Andover and he is hoping that the time out will help some key players recover.

“Christmas Eve will be the first Saturday we have had off since the start of middle of July with pre-season,” the Blues’ boss said.

“That’s great because you don’t want to get behind in fixtures but it does take its toll on lads that are working full-time as well.

“It will be nice to have this break from games and we will have a little train in the middle. Hopefully we will come back refreshed on the 27th and kick on again.”

Giving an injury update on the squad, Bailey told Echosport: “Ross (Carmichael) has a slight tear in his hip flexor muscle.

“He will rest up and fingers crossed he will make a recovery for December 27, that will be two weeks solid rest for him by then, but we will monitor him before that.”

He added: “Saturday was just a bit too soon for Alex Halloran (with an ankle injury) but he is improving and, with a few more days, we are hoping he will be there or thereabouts to be involved in some capacity against Hamworthy.”

Bailey is also hoping to have Max Buckler back after being plagued by a back problem in recent weeks. Portland’s Ed Bastick was also set to have an operation on a hernia on Monday.