Kenny Jackett reassures Tom Naylor of his Portsmouth importance

That’s despite the Blues boss overlooking his captain for last month’s League One play-off double-header against Oxford United.

Naylor found himself in the unusual position of watching on from the sidelines as Pompey’s 2019-20 promotion hopes were eventually dashed by the U’s.

The 29-year-old was forced to sit out both games as Jackett went for a midfield pairing of Bryn Morris and Cameron McGeehan, with the former making his first starts in 14 months following a torrid time with injuries.

It meant Naylor was unable to add to his 43 previous outings that season – a campaign which firmly established him as a mainstay in the Blues’ engine room and saw him replace Brett Pitman as club skipper.

At the time, Jackett, who also omitted Ben Close from both match-day squads – said his decision was down to both Morris and McGeehan impressing in training, while also wanting to go with’ more technical’ players.

Now, as Pompey step up their preparations for a fourth successive season in League One, the manager has reassured Naylor of his importance.

Speaking to The News, the boss said he still rated his captain highly.

He also added that the midfielder will play an integral role for the club as they continue their pursuit of Championship football.

Jackett said: ‘Tom’s been very good and has come back in a very determined mood in terms of the training and shown a lot of good qualities.

‘I spoke to Tom at the time and he understood that for the vast majority of his time I have selected him.

‘For those particular games, I thought McGeehan and Morris in midfield were the right combination and those two boys did play very well.

‘For the time that Tom has been here, he’s very rarely been left out.

‘He knows that, in terms of myself, how much I rate him.

‘I do think it will be the case where he’ll be a key player going into the new season.

‘He’s a very good captain and a good player for us and I don’t think that will change. That will continue.’

The Blues kick-off the new season with a first-round Carabao Cup on September 5, with the draw to be made on Tuesday.

An EFL Trophy fixture follows the week commencing September 7, before Pompey turn their attentions to league matters on September 12.

At present, Naylor, Morris, Close and Andy Cannon are Jackett’s midfield options following loanee McGeehan’s departure.