Pompey boss: No surprise at keeper response

The 22-year-old was dropped for the first time in his Blues career following the shock arrival of Stephen Henderson.

Yet his absence lasted just one match, with a thigh injury prompting a swift Forest return for Henderson.

Instead, McGee came back in for Saturday’s visit to the MK Dons – and produced a string of excellent displays.

That impressive showing laid the platform for a late 2-1 victory for the Blues, with Matt Clarke and Conor Chaplin netting.

And it was a reaction Jackett anticipated.

He said: ‘I have always felt Luke needs an experienced goalkeeper around him, that’s the case.

‘That hasn’t been able to transpire this year but even so, at 22, he is a good keeper now – and has a very good future.

‘Being left out helps you, it can refocus you, even for one game.

‘Sometimes a very good thing is for people to sit back, watch and maybe look at another keeper and how he does it.

‘Even for the week or so that Stephen was in, that can help confirm you are doing things right and have the ability to go forward.

‘Mainly you see a good response from players when they are left out, it can be a good thing generally. I think to maybe draw a breath, analyse it and then – when your chance comes– go again.

‘Luke made some key saves in a very open game, we started best in the first 20 to 30 minutes, but they got the goal and that’s a key goal.

‘We kept going and persevered, though, and it’s nice we came back away from home to win.’

– NEIL ALLEN