The four players Kenny Jackett is keeping an eye on during Portsmouth's hectic schedule

The boss is mindful of the number of starts Christian Burgess (37), Tom Naylor (36), Ben Close (35) and Ronan Curtis (34) have made so far this season.

The Blues remain in three competitions after reaching the EFL Trophy final by beating Exeter 3-2 on Tuesday.

Pompey are also pushing for League One promotion and have a money-spinning FA Cup fifth-round tie against Arsenal on Monday, March 2 to look forward to.

That means there are at least 16 matches still to be played this term.

Jackett opted against rotating his side against the Grecians, instead making just two changes to the team that beat Shrewsbury 2-0 on Saturday.

Burgess, Naylor, Close and Curtis all started as the Blues sealed their Wembley return in dramatic fashion.

Jackett pinpointed the quartet have made the most appearances this term and he will monitor their energy levels during the forthcoming busy period.

The manager said: ‘Look at everything we have got to play for at the end of the season – it’s good.

‘I've spoken to all the players individually and they’ll want to be involved. I spoke to them before Tuesday’s game and every one of them said they wanted to play if they could.

‘I will keep asking them along the way. Our highest appearance-makers are Burgess on 37, Naylor on 36, Close on 35 and Curtis on 34.

‘They’re four I maybe have to keep an eye on but all of them feel fine and want to be involved in every game in three competitions.

‘We understand trying to get into the Championship is our priority, but if you have a chance to get to Wembley then you have to try to do that.

‘I changed the team in every round then felt in the semi-final it was time to go for it.

‘We do monitor the amount of games people have played and there are those four who could touch 50 appearances this season.

‘Then the next two are Sean Raggett and John Marquis, who are both on 30 starts.

‘We are mindful of what we ask of the players but I don’t think it's heading for too many games at the moment.

‘With the games coming up, we need to enjoy it. Winning is a good habit and being involved at this stage of the season is something that’s a big challenge but one they should enjoy.

‘In the end, it's my decision as a manager and I pick the team.

‘I always speak to the players as well before I make my decision. I'll view it and if people look tired then I’ll change it.’