'A change for summer football' decoded and what the Portsmouth boss does next against Oxford United

Big calls

We were all left pinching ourselves by the selection shock pulled by Kenny Jackett with the stakes at their highest against Oxford United.

And although it’s evenly poised at the halfway stage in the play-off showdown with the U’s, there’s a case to say he got the big calls right.

The focus inevitably fell on Jackett dropping his captain Tom Naylor for a man who’d not appeared in a game for 14 months in Bryn Morris.

It was a massive decision but Morris didn’t let his manager down with a high-tempo and efficient showing.

Similarly, Lee Brown being favoured over Steve Seddon was another huge shout with the Birmingham loanee a standout since arriving in January.

Again, though, it paid off with no Pompey player performing better than the left-back on the night.

Jackett knew full well he would’ve been harangued if it’d gone wrong, but it shows once again he will not shirk the big calls if he feels they need to be made.

Summer Lovin’

It was a comment which has been used to vilify Pompey boss Kenny Jackett.

Jackett described his decision to start Bryn Morris over Tom Naylor as a move for ‘summer football rather than winter football’ when speaking to BBC Radio Solent’s Andy Moon after Friday’s game.

The statement was immediately leapt upon and used as a stick to beat Jackett with, a supposedly bizarre statement and odd thing for a manager to say.

Of course, those who were hammering were taking some isolated words out of context as the Blues manager addressed the circumstances of football’s return.

Jackett has spoken of looking for clues about the differences since football’s restart, and one of his conclusions has been the technical players benefitting over the more physical presences.

There’s been whispers about the level Morris has returned at, as Pompey tried different options and hit upon a midfield partnership with Cameron McGeehan which complemented each other.

Also Oxford’s preference to play an expansive game over physical reliance factored into Jackett’s thinking.

Those who scratched beneath the veneer of Jackett’s words understood his point, but for some it was an easy opportunity to hammer the Pompey boss they couldn’t refuse.

Numbers Game

There’s a quiet belief about Kenny Jackett’s side despite failing to take an advantage to Oxford.

And much of that confidence is based around the squad strength the players believe their side possess.

The Blues feel man for man their talent rolls deeper than their opponents - and that could be significant going into the return at the Kassam Stadium.

With 72 hours between games coming off the back of a near four-month lay-off, it’s easy to see why - especially if extra time is needed on Monday.

Pompey’s bench on Friday had their captain, top scorer and arguably their best player of the second half of the season sat on it.

His squad gives Jackett the option to freshen up his starting XI with all his options available and everything on the line. The thought it that’s what he’ll do.

Whatever happens, there are nine bench spaces open and five changes able to be made – and there’s impact and power available as and when the cavalry is called for.