Kenny Jackett provides hope for Portsmouth keeper Craig MacGillivray - but insists club always comes first

Kenny Jackett admitted what’s best for the club will always supersede the interest of any player.
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The Pompey manager made the point after fielding a question regarding Craig MacGillivray’s future at the News’ Pompey Fans’ Forum.

The Scottish stopper has been out of the side since the turn of the year, with Alex Bass taking up the position as Blues No1.

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He’s featured just twice – both in the EFL Trophy – since the December 29 league defeat at the hands of MK Dons.

And looks set for a continued spell on the sidelines as Bass establishes himself as Jackett’s preferred option between the posts.

The manager said both his goalkeeping options operated at the same high level – something a club of Pompey’s standing should expect if it is to compete at the level desired.

He added MacGillivray remained a key part of his plans, that there was the opportunity to reclaim his starting place, and that his time on the south coast wasn’t ‘finished’.

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But when it came to dealing with individual frustration – something that Jackett is aware of in regards to the former Shrewbury stopper – the Blues boss said he would always consider what’s best for the club first and foremost.

Pompey keeper Craig MacGillivray.  Picture: Kieran CleevesPompey keeper Craig MacGillivray.  Picture: Kieran Cleeves
Pompey keeper Craig MacGillivray. Picture: Kieran Cleeves

Jackett said: ‘Portsmouth, at the moment, have got two good goalkeepers. And so it should have.

‘In fact, it should have three of four.

‘It’s a great club and Craig has to realise he’s part of that as well.

‘There is always a time for an individual’s situation. I don’t think it’s now.

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‘We have at the moment a great back-up goalkeeper who is probably on a par with the No1, and as I said, as a club, it would be worrying if we only had one goalkeeper.

‘But if and when that situation comes in the summer, you know, you have to always consider the club.

‘It’s the club first, it’s the reason why we are all here, and for him, he’s had a frustrating time, but his time will come again definitely.

‘You know, I don’t in any way think he's finished at Portsmouth.’

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