Jackett: Midfielder central to Pompey form

Gareth Evans' midfield switch has boosted Pompey's goal threat.
Gareth Evans. Picture: Joe Pepler/ PinPepGareth Evans. Picture: Joe Pepler/ PinPep
Gareth Evans. Picture: Joe Pepler/ PinPep

That is the verdict of Kenny Jackett, who has watched his vice-captain thrive in a new-found central role for the in-form Blues.

Since returning from a hamstring problem, Evans has been employed at the heart of the system Jackett has labelled a 4-3-3.

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Traditionally positioned on the right during his Pompey career, whether as a winger of attacking full-back, it represents a different remit for the popular 29-year-old.

Gareth Evans. Picture: Joe Pepler/ PinPepGareth Evans. Picture: Joe Pepler/ PinPep
Gareth Evans. Picture: Joe Pepler/ PinPep

Nonetheless, since appearing centrally as a substitute against Oxford United, Evans has started the subsequent three matches, netting the winner at Walsall.

On Saturday, a fierce first-time effort crashed against the crossbar during the 3-3 draw at Rochdale which handed the Blues a point at the death.

And Jackett has been delighted with the displays delivered by the versatile former Manchester United trainee.

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The Blues boss said: ‘Our three up front in Jamal Lowe, Brett Pitman and Kal Naismith have proven to be a threat, then out of the midfield three you need to make sure you have balance.

Gareth Evans. Picture: Joe Pepler/ PinPepGareth Evans. Picture: Joe Pepler/ PinPep
Gareth Evans. Picture: Joe Pepler/ PinPep

‘Gareth does give you that. Out of the players we have I think he is the most likely to get shots in and can score goals.

‘We play three in midfield and one, two or – if you are lucky – all three of them need to be able to contribute in terms of shots and getting a goal.

‘Gareth scored a vital one against Walsall and can shoot from long distance, – he fancies himself to do that.

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‘The other thing he brings is really good commitment, work-rate and an excellent delivery on set-pieces.

‘In terms of putting him inside slightly, I think it can complement the players we have.

‘I wouldn’t like to be in a situation where I was leaving out either Gareth or Jamal because they are two good players and at the right time you need a variance of system.

‘He still gets crosses in and whoever else is playing in midfield can get to know the workings of the team and time their runs.

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‘Ben Close got into inside-left positions in a few different situations at Walsall but didn’t finish. If you know you have Lowe, Evans or Thompson going down one side, the left-hand side and middle of the team should be able to pick up chances and goals.

‘I think the three-man midfield suits Gareth. He is very capable and if we need to go slightly more direct and open up a little bit, he can come out on the right-hand side quite seamlessly.’

Pompey’s upsurge in form has coincided with the return of experienced performers such as Evans.

Now they stand one point off fifth-placed Plymouth – their next opposition.

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Jackett added: ‘Gareth has put in good performances since coming back, as have Brett Pitman and Nathan Thompson.

‘There is a cycle of the team. There’s times when you need a few youngsters to go in, just to freshen it up, but we are in a period of the season where we did need some experience.

‘And Gareth has come in and been part of that.’