Kenny Jackett: Why Lee Brown edges Brandon Haunstrup in Portsmouth left-back battle

Kenny Jackett has pinpointed Lee Brown’s experience as decisive in the battle of Pompey’s left-backs.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Yet the ongoing development of rival Brandon Haunstrup continues to impress the Blues boss.

Brown was handed an instant recall at Doncaster last weekend following six weeks sidelined with an Achilles injury.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

During that eight-game absence, Haunstrup seized ownership of the left-back role, producing a string of impressive displays.

Fit-again Lee Brown got the nod ahead of Brandon Haunstrup for the left-back slot at Doncaster. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/PinPepFit-again Lee Brown got the nod ahead of Brandon Haunstrup for the left-back slot at Doncaster. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/PinPep
Fit-again Lee Brown got the nod ahead of Brandon Haunstrup for the left-back slot at Doncaster. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/PinPep

That pitched the pair head-to-head upon Brown’s return, only for Jackett to favour his vice-captain, whose career spans more than 400 games,

The Keepmoat Stadium outcome was a 2-1 Pompey victory, representing a second-straight League One victory.

And Jackett admitted it was close which of the full-back challengers received the nod.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: ‘I wanted to get as much experience at the back as we could, clean sheets if possible, and we feel Lee brings a lot of that.

‘It’s unlucky for Brandon, he hasn’t done a lot wrong, but in terms of Lee and his personality and experience, that was my selection on Saturday.

‘He had one good run down the wing, that’s quite a feature of his play and we want to encourage that.

‘It didn’t happen that much on Saturday, whether that’s because it was his first game back or the fact they had most of the possession and he had to do a defensive job, I’m not sure.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘But I am pleased to say it worked and it’s good to have him back. I do think we have two good left-backs in Lee and Brandon.

‘I felt it was needed, certainly in a back four that has leaked some goals and not produced enough clean sheets.

‘Brandon has done well, he is a good player and a good left-back, it was a difficult decision to choose between the pair on Saturday.

‘Lee just got the nod on experience and has brought quite a lot to us.

'It was quite a close call – I am happy with both of them.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Haunstrup was utilised in the centre of defence at Oxford United in the Leasing.com Trophy on Tuesday night.

With Brown not involved, that allowed Joe Hancott to line up at left-back in the 2-2 Kassam Stadium draw.

The outing represented a 48th Pompey appearance for Waterlooville's Haunstrup.

And Jackett has sympathy for the 22-year-old’s current predicament.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: ‘Brandon wants to play full seasons because that’s what he’s been missing, but he has to keep working away and be ready when his chance comes.

‘He is disappointed, but took it professionally. He is disappointed, though.’

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.