Kenny Jackett reveals latest Portsmouth midfield plans for ever-versatile Andy Cannon ahead of Sunderland

Much-travelled Andy Cannon has found himself a new home – and it’s a fresh Pompey role he can thrive in.
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The former Rochdale man has made 40 appearances since joining in January 2019, yet never truly cemented a steady position.

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Jackett has employed Cannon in a number of roles, including bench duty – with this season no different.

However, having excelled at the Priestfield Stadium alongside Tom Naylor in a conventional central-midfield pairing, he may have found his place.

And he’s in the frame to retain his selection for Saturday’s trip to Sunderland.

Jackett told The News: ‘We’ll see with Andy for Sunderland, I do think he’s played pretty well for us in his appearances so far.

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‘He had a start on Tuesday, yet has also been coming on as a regular substitute and involved. Andy will be really pushing to try to get that starting berth at Sunderland.

Andy Cannon has started Pompey's last two matches as he seeks a regular first-team presence. Picture: Joe PeplerAndy Cannon has started Pompey's last two matches as he seeks a regular first-team presence. Picture: Joe Pepler
Andy Cannon has started Pompey's last two matches as he seeks a regular first-team presence. Picture: Joe Pepler

‘I thought he played pretty well against Doncaster. I was also pleased with him in quite a good team performance at Gillingham on Tuesday night.

‘It very much depends on who you play him in there with. Partnerships are important, if it’s him and Tom Naylor at the moment, which it was on Tuesday, then it’s about the set up of the team around it.

‘He’s a midfield player and sometimes when you are running forward it’s hard to always get into the right positions. Maybe, to a degree, you are reliant on service if you keep arriving into the right areas and the ball doesn’t come.

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‘Similarly, I think sometimes it’s a bit more straightforward when you play in a midfield pair.

‘There’s an all-round game in midfield where you have to pass the ball well, you have to win tackles, you have to win second balls, you have to track people, you have to be competitive.

‘Sometimes in a two it is a little more straightforward for people, they know they have to do the defending and be responsible.

‘Andy’s experienced enough to know that as well, he has played a number of league games now, both for us and for Rochdale.

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‘He can handle the ball and we hope he can bring some composure and some play in there for us.’

Cannon featured for 74 minutes in Tuesday night’s victory, before replaced by Ben Close.

Jackett added: ‘I’ve also got to say, Ben Close was unlucky.

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‘Against Doncaster I played three midfield players, whereas against Gillingham I only wanted to play two.

‘Ben had a good game against Doncaster, but I went with two midfield players because I wanted two centre-forwards.’

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