Kenny Jackett sent this message to ex-Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough target Alex Bass after being handed Portsmouth outing in the FA Cup

Craig MacGillivray's string of top-drawer performances has once again seen him establish himself as first-choice keeper.

But Alex Bass has been urged to continue to keep showing a reaction after decent outing against King's Lynn Town.

The academy graduate made a couple of good saves in the 6-1 routing of the National League visitors.

After Rasmus Nicolaisen's opening goal, Bass got down well to thwart Simon Power's low shot that denied the Linnets an equaliser at a crucial period of the game.

And in the second half, he was alert starve Dayle Southwell of a second goal when pushing his shot around the near post.

Bass surprisingly took over as No1 at Gillingham on New Year's Day last season.

In total, he featured 25 times in 2019-20, with his impressive displays attracting glances from Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough in the summer.

But after being withdrawn at half-time on the opening day of this term at Stevenage, Bass has subsequently been demoted to back-up stopper to MacGillivray.

Kenny Jackett insisted there remains not much between both players – something he also stressed last campaign.

And the boss still has the utmost confidence in Bass as he continues to push for a starting spot.

Jackett said: ‘It has been quite tough for Alex since losing his place to Craig.

‘After the Stevenage game, he was injured for quite some time with bone bruising.

‘But, again, I'm confident with both Craig and Alex. I don't think there is too much between them.

‘Alex didn't have a lot to do against King's Lynn but what he had to do, he did well.

‘I'm confident in terms of the goalkeeping department. If you're going to get promoted, you need a good goalkeeper.

‘Time and time again, you look at the successful sides in any division and they are strong in that department.

‘For us, I hope that they can both continue to spur each other one.

‘That is football life. Whether it's injury or you lose your place for whatever reason, it is football life.

‘It's something you have to get used to and it's about how you react and what you do going forward. That's how it is for Alex.

‘Both keepers are doing well and I'm pleased with both. Craig has had a good run and made some great saves.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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