A relationship that'll require patching up - but Tom Naylor should still be Portsmouth's general

There had been whispers in the build-up on social media that Tom Naylor might not start – judging by photos and video clips of friendlies and in-house games.

No-none really believed such tittle-tattle would actually become fact.

That was, of course, until Naylor was named on the bench, with Bryn Morris handed his first outing in 14 months following an abdomen problem.

It was, without doubt, a bombshell to see the captain left out of the starting line-up.

It was the first time the midfielder had been omitted from Kenny Jackett's side for a league game when available during his two years at Fratton Park.

Suspensions and injuries had forced him to miss the odd match, but he'd always feature from the outset when available.

If not the first name on the team-sheet, then close enough to be, was the general consensus.

Jackett explained his decision by referring to current circumstances and implying the likes of Morris was more suited to ‘summer football rather than winter football’.

He added that technical teams in the Premier League and Championship have been the ones who have done well since football returned amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

And for that reason alone, you can assume, Naylor was overlooked again for the return clash at the Kassam Stadium.

Subsequently, the ex-Derby man's absence has irked large sections of the Fratton faithful.

It was a shock play-off selection call – not for the first time under Jackett – and a gamble that didn't quite come off.

Naylor's classy Twitter message to the fans, despite not featuring in the U’s double-header, underlined his perpetual commitment.

Now the question is, what’s next for the club captain?

In truth, it's unlikely Naylor will depart this summer, despite such speculation commencing on social media.

There were swathes of pleas for him to stay at the club as fans reacted to his Twitter post amid the doom of gloom of missing out on promotion.

With one year left on his deal, it would be reasonable to believe no club in a coronavirus-impacted transfer window would want to stump up a fee for a player who has just turned 29.

What's more, Jackett, despite his play-off selection call, would loathe to allow one the division’s most consistent performers to depart.

He's his so-called leader after all, his midfield general and someone who commands respect in the dressing room.

While his passing might not be as economical as others, Pompey have looked more brittle when he's not played or occasionally dropped into defence.

In a renewed promotion push next season, the former Burton man should again be a vital cog.

However, it’s reasonable to suggest that Naylor and Jackett’s relationship will have frayed because of recent events.

The midfielder missed out on leading his team in the two biggest games of the season – overlooked by someone who hadn't played for more than a year.

That’s tough for anyone to take, never mind the captain who’s never been dropped before.

Some serious patching up will be required before focus turns to next season.

It should be near the top of Jackett’s to-do list if he is to remain, as expected, in the Fratton Park hot seat