Portsmouth boss explains why Gareth Evans was omitted from squad for Rochdale draw

The fans' favourite was surplus to requirements for the 0-0 draw at Spotland on Sunday.

Evans started the first three matches of the season, including the Blues' League One curtain-raiser against Shrewsbury – another goalless stalemate.

However, the ex-Bradford midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at Fratton Park.

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He was an unused substitute in the 4-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Brighton on Thursday before being left out of the match-day 18 at Rochdale.

Andy Cannon started in the number-10 position against his former side, while Michael Jacobs came off the bench to make his debut after arriving on a free transfer from Wigan last week.

Jackett believes Evans still has a part to play throughout the course of the season as a strong squad will help Pompey in their push for promotion.

But the Blues boss understands the 32-year-old's recent disappointments.

Jackett said: ‘He wasn’t selected and we have some options now for the number-10 position.

‘But, similarly, while everybody is fit at the moment I do think that our squad can hopefully help us during the course of the year as well to stay strong.

‘He was disappointed in terms of not starting.

‘He started against Stevenage and started against Shrewsbury in the 10 position and then I have gone for Andy Cannon yesterday and we have also brought in Michael Jacobs.

‘For him it is frustration, he does want to play.'

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