Kenny Jackett unveils plan to prolong Andy Cannon's crucial Portsmouth first-team presence

The energetic midfielder made a welcome return to action against MK Dons on Tuesday, marking his comeback with a maiden Blues goal.

A glute injury had sidelined him for five matches, during which time Jackett’s side lost twice.

Cannon was restricted to just one-and-a-half games from January last season through injury, but fans have taken to his talents this term.

He has proven a tireless presence in the number 10 role, establishing himself as first choice when fit.

And, following 77 minutes of action in the 3-1 win over the Dons, Jackett intends not to overburden the former Rochdale man and risk further setback.

Pompey’s boss said: ‘Andy has been sorely missed for us in recent weeks and we just hope he can now have a good run of staying fit.

‘We have to use him sparingly at times, I understand that, but he showed again on Tuesday what a good player he is.

‘We just want him to stay fit, we don’t want him to get injured again, and we do feel we’ve missed him.

‘So, in terms of using him sparingly, it’s making sure he can be available.

‘We can achieve that through some good preparation between games, while if I see him struggling with a knock or something, maybe take him off.

‘In that 10 position he can cause sides problems and he has a lot of quality.

‘We need to keep an eye on him. I don’t know if he is going to play all of every game, but when he does he can have a big impact.’

Cannon finished off Ryan Williams’ pass in the fourth minute against MK Dons, thereby opening his Pompey goal account after 24 appearances.

Jackett has struggled to identify a solution for the number 10 role, with previous incumbents Gareth Evans and Brett Pitman now well out of favour.

He has, at times, named John Marquis there, with mixed results, while January loan signing Cameron McGeehan has also served several stints.

Yet it’s Cannon who is presently Jackett's preferred choice – injury permitting.

And he must decide whether the 23-year-old retains his place in forthcoming matches against Rochdale (February 28) and Arsenal (March 2).

Jackett added: ‘Andy had an outside chance of making last Saturday, but I always felt it was Saturday or Tuesday and didn’t risk it.

‘When I brought him off against MK Dons, at that point we needed some fresh energy.

‘We were 2-1 up and Harness and McGeehan gave us that when they came on. Then we went through it and got another goal.’