Portsmouth boss gives verdict on battle to start at right-back between Rangers man Ross McCrorie and in-form James Bolton

And the Blues boss views it as a nip-and-tuck charge between Ross McCrorie and James Bolton ahead of the trip to Fleetwood.

McCrorie is now fit and vying for playing time after his return from a problematic hamstring issue picked up in December.

Bolton has been the man in possession of the right-back spot, however, and has contributed to his side’s impressive form off the back of 10 league starts on the spin.

SEE ALSO: On-loan Rangers ace Ross McCrorie reveals Pompey injury frustrations

It was McCrorie who was given the nod against Exeter in the Leasing.com Trophy on Tuesday following an assist after his introduction against Shrewsbury on Saturday.

Jackett views the battle as a positive selection issue for him to contend with.

He said: ‘I’ve been pleased with both of them.

‘It’s been a frustrating season for Ross so far with a couple of injuries.

‘Since he’s settled down working in training as a right-back, I do feel that’s his strength.

‘Although he came as a central midfielder, I do feel his athleticism for right-back does help us.

‘It helps in a 4-2-3-1 system if you can get going in terms of the wide areas and the full-back areas. It can really help us.

‘For James, though, he’s had a really good run and been part of a solid and competitive back four which has helped us.

‘I’m pleased with both of them and it’s shaping up into a good competition.

‘He came into a new club, moved into a new area and got quite a bad injury on the opening day.

‘He’s come through that and of late – and I’m talking about months – he’s been a settled part of the team and a very good part of a successful side.’

McCrorie and Bolton bring different traits to the right-back role, with the Scot moving to that position this term after being seen predominantly as central midfielder or central defender on his arrival from Rangers in the summer.

The 21-year-old has brought forward-thinking intent to the position, while it’s been five league clean sheets from six with Bolton in the side.

Jackett added: ‘If you’re looking at Ross he’s quick with the ball and he can really eat up the ground.

‘Similarly, though, James is a very good all-round full-back.

‘I’ve got a lot of time for both of them as players and people. We want to keep them both fit now if we can.

‘Ross has that ability to get around the side and get into key areas.

‘Modern-day full-backs are vital and it’s no different at our level. They are often the ones who get the time and space.

‘Then they have to be able to do something with it, but the defending is important and being part of a defence keeping clean sheets is vital as well.

‘James maybe has a bit more experience defensively but both are capable and I’m comfortable with whoever I use of the two of them.’