How Jack Whatmough was told he was coming on at half-time against Plymouth - by Portsmouth's fitness coach

But the centre-back felt more than ready to make an impact as he helped the Blues yield a point at Home Park.

Whatmough made his return from a hamstring injury to take up a spot on the bench against the Pilgrims.

Shortly before half-time, he was told by head of sports science Jeff Lewis that he was replacing Rasmus Nicolaisen at their interval.

Whatmough was imperious in the second period as Pompey picked up a 2-2 draw against their port rivals. He also won the penalty that led to John Marquis’ penalty.

And although there was no direct message from Kenny Jackett, the Gosport defender was well aware of the role he needed to fulfil.

Whatmough said: ‘There wasn't (a message)! Just before the end of the first half, the fitness coach, Jeff Lewis, came over and told me and Ellis (Harrison) to get warm.

‘We got warm, went in and the gaffer told us the shape, then we went out and got warm again.

‘We know our role anyway, we work hard on it on the training ground, so we knew what we had to do when we got on.

‘It was a bit of a surprise to come on. Centre-backs don't get subbed on a lot but I was ready.

‘I'd spoken to the gaffer earlier in the week and told him I was fit and ready if needed, I was fine.

‘I was only out for about 10 days, my hamstring felt fine so I declared myself fit and the physios were happy.’