Forgotten man James Bolton earns Portsmouth boss praise - and set to keep place against Plymouth

And Kenny Jackett has hailed the professionalism of the forgotten man so pivotal in the subsequent 3-1 triumph.

What’s more, Bolton is likely to keep his place for Saturday's visit of Plymouth.

The 26-year-old started the Blues’ play-off semi-final second leg defeat at Oxford United in July, representing his last league appearance.

However, with Jack Whatmough suspended, Rasmus Nicolaisen at the birth of his child and Paul Downing’s injury, he was thrust into a centre-half role at the Valley.

What followed was a superb performance in his seventh match of a campaign which has seen Bolton make just four League One squads.

Jackett told The News: ‘Callum Johnson has come into the right-back slot and we do know James has played centre-half before for us, not that many times, but he has.

‘Arsenal in the FA Cup was probably his best performance, even though we lost 2-0.

‘He’s a great pro, kept himself fit, worked hard and in the opportunity he did have against Peterborough (Papa John’s Trophy) in a tough defeat to take, I thought he played well.

‘It shows his character to come in on Tuesday night and play very well.

‘James is definitely a good defender, strong in the air, and is coming to an age now when he has a lot of experience. I’m also pleased with his talking, he does organise very well.’

With Whatmough and Downing definitely out of the forthcoming visit of Plymouth – and Nicolaisen also likely to be missing – Bolton can expect another outing on Saturday.

Jackett added: Performances like Charlton is exactly what James wants, he wants a chance and wants to hold onto the shirt.

‘Good luck to him, I’m very pleased with him, and there’s no reason why he can’t now stay there. We’ll see.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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