Ben Close handed Portsmouth recall as Bryn Morris makes way against Doncaster

Ben Close returns to Pompey’s side in the league for the first time in seven months as Doncaster visit Fratton Park.
Neil Allen
By Neil Allen
Published 17th Oct 2020, 14:16 BST
Ben Close today returns to the starting XI for a Pompey league game for the first time since March. Picture: Nigel Keene/ProSportsImagesBen Close today returns to the starting XI for a Pompey league game for the first time since March. Picture: Nigel Keene/ProSportsImages
Ben Close today returns to the starting XI for a Pompey league game for the first time since March. Picture: Nigel Keene/ProSportsImages

The midfielder has made just two appearances this season, while was last in the starting XI for a League One encounter on March 7 at Peterborough.

However, he has been restored to the side in place of Bryn Morris for today’s clash with Darren Moore’s side.

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Close represents one of two changes to the team which defeated MK Dons last weekend.

Kenny Jackett has also opted to drop Michael Jacobs, with Andy Cannon brought into midfield.

That alteration suggests a potential system change, with effectively three central midfielders in Close, Cannon and Tom Naylor.

Ronan Curtis also starts, despite brought off at half-time last weekend and then featuring for the Republic of Ireland in Finland on Wednesday evening.

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Morris and Jacobs both drop to the bench, with again no place in the 18-man squad for James Bolton and Paul Downing.

Pompey: McGillivray, Johnson, Whatmough, Raggett, Brown, Naylor, Close, Cannon, Harness, Curtis, Harrison.

Subs: Bass, Morris, Pring, Nicolaisen, Jacobs, Williams, Marquis.

Related topics:Bryn MorrisBen ClosePortsmouthDoncasterFratton ParkAndy CannonRonan CurtisLeague One

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