Kenny Jackett's message to out-of-favour Portsmouth midfielder who's made just two League One starts this season

The Southsea midfielder has slipped down the pecking order this season, having been a regular starter over the past couple of years.

Close has made 10 appearances in all competitions but featured from the outset on only two occasions in League One.

What’s more, he was sacrificed at half-time on his last league start at Plymouth when the Blues made a double change.

The switch to a 4-4-2 formation has meant there is one fewer berth in Pompey’s engine room than when they previously played a 4-2-3-1 system.

Tom Naylor and Andy Cannon have been Jackett’s preferred duo, meaning Close’s game-time has been limited of late.

However, the Pompey manager stressed the academy graduate continues to push for a starting berth.

Jackett said: ‘Ben will have been disappointed to have come off at half-time at Plymouth.

‘I did say it wasn't anything personal against him. It was just something we needed at half-time to get back into that game.

‘For Ben, he'd come on at Ipswich and contributed to a good win and played well.

‘We all know what a good player Ben Close is, while we also have Bryn Morris and they're pushing hard.

‘Ben is a holding-midfield player and can play in either a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 system. I don't think Ben necessarily is a runner on (beyond the forwards).

‘Ben comes towards the ball and helps you build up the play, which is good.

‘He's also come up with some terrific long-range shooting and scored some good goals.

‘He's a player I see who is better when he's behind the play rather than running on.

‘The only thing that has held him back so far this season is the good form of Naylor and Cannon. They have played very well and so far it's kept Ben Close out the starting XI.’

Close was given a chance to impress in last Saturday’s FA Cup tie against King’s Lynn.

He helped the Blues deliver a rampant 6-1 victory to move into the third round of the competition.

Jackett was pleased with Close’s performance against the National League side.

He added: ‘Ben has been a good player for me. He's been a good player for me and showed against King's Lynn he's pushing those two, which is good.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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