Portsmouth boss salutes Gareth Evans' emergence in pivotal role

After being an unused substitute for the League One curtain-raising win over Luton, the fans' favourite has started each of Pompey's past six matches.

Despite being a winger by trade, he's adapted seamlessly in his new remit. Evans has scored two goals and helped the Blues to second in the table. 

He ha s also captained Pompey in the absence of Brett Pitman. 

The 30-year-old is expected to maintain his spot in Jackett' s line-up for today's clash against Shrewsbury at Fratton Park.

And the Blues boss hailed the qualities  Evans brings to his side.  

Jackett said: '˜Gareth has settled into the number 10 role pretty well and brings a lot of the strengths we want him to bring into that team.

'˜We will see how that continues '“ like many others. I didn't see it last year and perhaps I should have.

'˜With Jamal Lowe being so strong, at times Gareth is maybe thinking he's got to wait for Jamal not to be playing.

'˜He has been a variable player, though, played inside in midfield and at times at right-back as well, so will do you a job wherever you go.

'˜But at the moment he is playing just behind the striker and doing very well in that role. We will see how that develops.

'˜He brings a lot to the team, has very good character, terrific work-rate and an eye for goal.

'˜He gives us something both ways. It's early season but he's shown a lot of promise in there, definitely.'

Evans faces competition from Andre Green for a place in Jackett's line-up against the Shrews. 

The Aston Villa loanee made his Pompey bow in Tuesday's 4-0 Checkatrade Trophy defeat of Gillingham. 

Although he operated in a left-wing role, Jackett is certain Green can adeptly function more centrally. 

The boss added: '˜Everyone can see his speed and potential, he just has to build on that now.

'˜He has the potential and the physique to play a number of roles across the front line.

'˜We have got some competition across that front line, which is terrific, and so there should be at a club like Portsmouth.

'˜I felt he should play where he's used to on Tuesday night.

'˜After that we'll look in training, we'll look in the games, see how the team develops. He has the power to play right across the front.'