Kenny Jackett insists door not yet closed on Portsmouth's forgotten man

And according to Kenny Jackett, the surprise presence of Paul Downing represented reward for the centre-half’s professionalism.

The summer recruit was named among the Blues’ substitutes for Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw with Fleetwood.

Having failed to make the previous 15 squads, Downing’s involvement, albeit non-playing, raised eyebrows among the Fratton faithful.

The 28-year-old has not appeared in League One since September’s 2-2 draw with Burton, although was a regular on the bench until New Year’s Day.

However, with Jack Whatmough omitted from the 18 on duty against the Cod Army, there was a shock recall for Downing.

Jackett said: ‘We’ll see (if he is involved again). Paul is an experienced player and, looking at his work-rate in training, he has been very good.

‘He has responded in the right way. I understand he hasn't had much game time and been frustrated, but it has been tough to shift Raggett and Burgess, it has been a good partnership for us.

‘Paul has done really, really well in training and his conditioning is good at the moment as an experienced player, so if we have problems at centre-back then he has the experience.

‘Just looking at his response, he has been very, very good.’

The central-defensive reshuffle was prompted by Christian Burgess’ two-match suspension.

That ensured a return to the team after 13 months away from League One for Whatmough, deputising at Peterborough.

Downing also travelled to London Road for that encounter, although was left out of the final 18-man squad.

He was then chosen ahead of Whatmough among the substitutes against Fleetwood, signifying a first league involvement since Gillingham on January 1.

Downing’s last outing was in the Leasing.com Trophy victory at Walsall on January 7, as his difficult Fratton Park time continues.

Jackett added: ‘It’s a tough one for Jack and Paul has trained very well and worked hard and has experience.

‘Jack has to keep working away and waiting for his opportunity.’

Burgess returns from suspension for Saturday’s visit of Accrington.