Burgess: I won't give up my Portsmouth starting place without a fight

The defender has started the Blues' past three matches alongside Matt Clarke at centre-back. 

He began the season behind Jack Whatmough in the pecking order.

But a hamstring injury to the Gosport talent in the 3-0 victory over Plymouth prompted Burgess to be handed his opportunity.

The 26-year-old has been in fine form during his spell in the side, delivering an impressive display in Pompey's 2-1 victory at Peterborough last weekend.

Now Whatmough is fit again and available to face Wycombe on Saturday, Burgess knows he faces a battle to keep his place in Kenny Jackett's side.

But the former Middlesborough centre-half is determined to keep his place in the Pompey line-up.

Burgess said: '˜Jack's fit and he'll be wanting to do as well as he can in training to get another chance.

'˜That's just the way the game is.

'˜The gaffer doesn't have any loyalties.

'˜He will play the best players who he sees fit to win the game at the end of the day.

'˜That's in his hands and we just have to play by his rules.

'˜I was given a small opportunity to play and I knew I had to take it or I'd be back on the bench.

'˜I've just been doing my best to take it.

'˜There's been no pressure on me. There will always be a fight for those positions and that's healthy.'

Burgess admitted he won't take umbrage with Jackett's decision if he's dropped in favour of Whatmough.

'˜You never take anything personally, that's for sure, and you just get on with your job,' he added.

'˜We get paid to train every day, that's what we do, and on a Saturday you want to be playing.

'˜If you're not then you have to support the boys and make sure you're ready.'