Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley refuses to single out Charlie Daniels after Swindon nightmare

The veteran left-back contributed to Swindon’s opening two goals in last night’s 3-1 defeat.

For the first, he miscontrolled Tom Naylor’s header back to him, allowing Jack Payne to set up Brett Pitman.

Then, on 61 minutes, he brought down Tyler Smith for a penalty converted by Pitman.

Daniels, who was eventually brought off on 70 minutes, has struggled badly for form since arriving at Fratton Park in January.

Yet Cowley declined to round on the former Premier League performer.

He told The News: ‘You will not find me coming out here and criticising an individual because we are a team.

‘I have spent all week trying to create a togetherness and a spirit where we are all in, we are together, and have each others’ back.

‘You won’t find me criticising any individual.’

Meanwhile, Cowley admitted Lee Brown could be in the frame for a recall against Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

The left-back has been sidelined by a hamstring problem in recent weeks.

However, his possible return would put the pressure on Daniels as both players vie for the left-sided full-back slot.

He added: ‘Lee Brown has been back on the grass, so we are hopeful moving forward. I hope he is back for Saturday.

‘Lee gives us as much off the pitch as much on it. He gives us a real spirit and togetherness.

‘We like Lee, we think a lot of him, he’s a good character, he’s a bit like the glue in the dressing room.

‘And certainly he gives us a really good option from the left.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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