Jack Whatmough's shock Portsmouth squad omission at Bristol Rovers explained

The popular centre-back was omitted from the Blues' match-day squad for the 3-1 defeat at the Memorial Stadium – despite returning from a three-match suspension and being fully fit.

Kenny Jackett decided to stick with James Bolton in central defence alongside the ever-present Sean Raggett.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Nicolaisen was named on the bench, having also missed the past three games for the birth of his second child.

That meant there was no place in Pompey's set-up for Whatmough – although it was a move that backfired.

The Blues’ rearguard had an evening to forget as they conceded three woeful goals against struggling Rovers.

Joe Gallen explained Pompey felt that Bolton warranted a starting spot after his recent performances, while the natural left-foot of Nicolaisen gave him the edge over Whatmough among the substitutes.

But with Blackpool visiting Fratton Park on Saturday, the Gosport ace will again be involved.

Pompey's assistant manager Gallen said: ‘Jack Whatmough wasn't put in the squad.

'Rasmus was picked ahead of him mainly because of the left-foot that he possesses and that gave Rasmus an edge.

'Jack will be back and Jack will be back in the squad, I'm pretty sure, for the weekend.

‘James Bolton and Sean Raggett have played very well.

‘We won at Charlton where they played together, got a 2-2 draw with Plymouth where they played together and then we beat Swindon with them playing together.

‘It is very tough to change that and James has done very well.

‘We have got some good competition, we've got some good players and good options going forward.’

Whatmough’s been Pompey’s first-choice centre-back for the majority of the season alongside Raggett.

After recovering from a long-term knee injury, he has made 24 appearances, scoring two goals.

Whatmough’s been in top form, which has meant FC Midtjylland loanee Nicolaisen has been confined to a support-ace role for much of the season.

However, the academy graduate was handed a straight red card for serious foul play in the Blues’ defeat to Lincoln last month.

That gave Bolton a chance to return from the cold, having previously not made a league outing all campaign.

The former Shrewsbury man is likely to lose his starting spot against Blackpool, though, after he was taken off at half-time for Nicolaisen against Bristol Rovers.

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