Boss backs Belgium-bound Christian Burgess to maintain Portsmouth commitment

The 28-year-old will bid farewell to Fratton Park next month having agreed a three-year deal with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Despite Burgess’ impending exit, Jackett is adamant the defender’s commitment during his remaining weeks at the club cannot be called into question.

Indeed, it was the centre-half’s determination to see out the play-offs which helped persuade his next club to allow him to stay for a while longer.

And Jackett will be looking at the former Peterborough man to play a pivotal part in promotion to the Championship as his final Pompey contribution.

The Blues boss told The News: ‘Christian has said to me since Christmas and all the way along that he was in for this season and wanted to try to get the club into the Championship.

‘He has stayed true to his word.

‘With where things take him then next year, we’ll be sorry to see him leave, but it has looked a possibility because of his contract being up.

‘As time goes on and there is no understanding or agreement on a new contract, then you know there’s a possibility.

‘We will obviously wish him all the best, he has been an excellent pro for Pompey.

‘Christian has been committed, committed to finishing this season and trained very hard to get to this point.

‘If he had any hesitation about playing, he would have told me by now. That has not been the case.

‘Similarly, I have no doubt he will continue to give his all if selected against Oxford. No doubt whatsoever.

‘As with Sean Raggett, there was a willingness on both sides to make it work and I am really pleased both are available.

‘It has been a good partnership for me for this season – and our best one in terms of central defence.’

Burgess has amassed in excess of 200 appearances since arriving at Fratton Park in the summer of 2015.

Jackett inherited the history graduate when he replaced Paul Cook at the helm – and he has noticed a gradual improvement in the popular defender over the subsequent three seasons.

He added: ‘I do think Christian has steadily improved.

‘He has worked hard, worked hard in the gym, and got physically stronger. That’s a big thing in the position he’s in.

‘He’s always had the game. He is a good enough footballer, is tall enough, has the timing in the air. Now, as the years have ticked over, he has become physically stronger, which has given him more confidence.

‘His consistency is good, he is dedicated as a driven professional and that has been a feature of both him and Sean in the centre-back positions.

‘I do think in every year I’ve been here Christian has got better with each one.’

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