Pompey v Barnet: Gaffer for a day

If Curtis Main is fit, I would put him in against Barnet ahead of Michael Smith and Conor Chaplin.

I pretty much understand why Paul Cook made the changes he did at Accrington, he was considering the physical side of the opposition and felt Smith was the right choice.

I was a little surprised Kyle Bennett started. Still, that was the manager’s decision and it didn’t work out.

However, I still wouldn’t start Chaplin tomorrow.

I think the way the manager is slowly introducing the youngster into the side is right. He’s been an impact substitute whose pace can exploit tired teams, along with the option of Noel Hunt.

It may frustrate some people but the kid is not going anywhere at the moment, the transfer window doesn’t open until January, so let’s bring him on for bits and pieces.

Cook has won promotion before, he knows what he is doing and is playing it perfectly with Chaplin.

There is too much clamour from supporters, but you can burn the lad out, while he cannot operate as the lone striker.

I would also bring back Milan Lalkovic for Bennett.

Lalkovic has looked good in games, he has an end product and is able to bring Enda Stevens into play.

With Bennett, his head has obviously been turned by a potential move to Ipswich which didn’t come about, but he has talent.

Not having a go at Bennett here, but Cook has been seeing which of his players have the mental strength and some are weaker than others, as demonstrated at Accrington.

So let’s get off the manager’s back and allow him to do the job the board recruited him for. People panic too quickly.