Clubs will be 'watching, hovering and keeping an eye' on fledgling Portsmouth keeper

Alex Bass’ hurtling Pompey progress means he’ll be attracting plenty of potential suitors.
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But Alan Knight is hoping the fledgling keeper continues his climb up the Football League ladder at Fratton Park.

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Despite MacGillivray not suffering an injury or having a dip in form, boss Kenny Jackett made the decision to replace him with Bass in the 1-1 draw at Gillingham.

The 21-year-old has remained first-choice stopper since, featuring in all 12 League One games – as well as three FA Cup ties and the Leasing.com Trophy semi-final triumph over Exeter.

Bass’ standout display before the coronavirus crisis suspended football was in the 2-0 defeat at promotion rivals Peterborough.

Had it not been for the academy graduate’s heroics, the scoreline would have been more emphatic in the Posh’s favour.

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Pompey goalkeeper Alex Bass. Picture: Simon DaviesPompey goalkeeper Alex Bass. Picture: Simon Davies
Pompey goalkeeper Alex Bass. Picture: Simon Davies

His eye-catching displays at such a tender age in goalkeeping standards means Knight knows clubs will have Bass on his radar.

The Fratton legend said: ‘I always thought Bassy could go on to become a very good goalkeeper and he is taking his opportunity very well.

‘He’s growing and is learning. He’s going to make mistakes but he will learn from those and it's all part of the process.

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‘I’ve spoken with people in and around the ground because people have asked me the question. I don’t want to put too much pressure on the kid but I think he has every chance of going all the way.

Alex Bass warms up. Picture: Simon DaviesAlex Bass warms up. Picture: Simon Davies
Alex Bass warms up. Picture: Simon Davies

‘He’s a level-headed kid and it doing well, so long may that continue.

‘I think there is every chance of him playing higher up and hopefully with us.

‘But I am sure there will be clubs watching, hovering and keeping an eye on what he is doing.

‘Hopefully he can make that climb with us.’

Craig MacGillivray hasn't made a League One appearance for Pompey since December 29. Picture: Kieran CleevesCraig MacGillivray hasn't made a League One appearance for Pompey since December 29. Picture: Kieran Cleeves
Craig MacGillivray hasn't made a League One appearance for Pompey since December 29. Picture: Kieran Cleeves
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After arriving on a free transfer from Shrewsbury in June 2018, he quickly established himself as No1 stopper.

MacGillivray featured in every game during last term’s failed League One play-off bid, while he made a crucial save from Lee Cattermole in Pompey’s penalty shootout victory over Sunderland in the Checkatrade Trophy final.

Despite breaking into the Scotland squad and making no obvious errors, the former Walsall man has found himself confined to a support-act role since the turn of the year.

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Knight knows how difficult it must be for MacGillivray while he is out of the starting line-up.

But the man who made 801 appearances for Pompey during his playing days believes the 27-year-old will bounce back.

Knight added: ‘I feel sorry for Craig, it’s been a tough one for him and I do know how he must be feeling.

‘That's what happens when you have two top goalkeepers. I had the same sort of situation with Pete Mellor back in the day and then the flip of that at the end of my career.

‘Hopefully he comes back like they all do because he’s a top keeper.’

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