Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett reveals why he never lost faith in slow burner Andy Cannon

The midfielder’s Fratton Park career had been something of a slow burner since recruited from Rochdale two years on Saturday.

However, it has roared into life since being entrusted with a regular spot in October, subsequently establishing himself as a pivotal performer.

Cannon has endured lengthy frustrating periods during his time with the Blues, his first-team presence totalling 53 matches and impacted by injury and non-selection.

Now he is thriving with the trust of his manager – and Jackett is convinced 2021 could see the 24-year-old continue to flourish.

Pompey’s boss told The News: ‘Andy’s always had spells of doing well. Sometimes he has picked up injuries, maybe at the wrong time and maybe let someone back into the team, like Ben Close or Gareth Evans.

‘But we have always felt Andy is a good player, a very capable player, and just needed that run to gain his confidence and keep going and keep improving.

‘We’re pleased to see him showing it now on a consistent basis.

‘Personally, I think his best years are ahead of him. I think he can keep getting better.

‘Andy has to continually drive on and set the bar higher and higher, but he is the right age to do that.

‘He has a little bit of everything. He does complement Tom Naylor very well, he has a long centre of gravity, he can accept the ball in tight situations and also from that area can drive pretty well with the ball in terms of running with it.

‘We have always been convinced of the fact that he can do it, it’s just that an injury or two at the wrong time has upset his rhythm.

‘He’s had a good first third or so of the season and been in my preferred starting midfield up to now – and has the desire and work-rate to keep improving.’

Cannon has started Pompey’s last 14 League One fixtures.

It’s a measure of his importance to a Blues side which has demonstrated itself as a genuine promotion contender.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that midfield partner Naylor is enjoying outstanding form – with goals as a bonus.

And Jackett is delighted with a pairing which remains first choice for second-placed Pompey.

He added: ‘Andy has had a good season and formed a good partnership with Tom Naylor in the centre of midfield.

‘For the games we’ve played so far, they've been the midfield combination and played the most games together. So far this season it has looked pretty good.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage, starting at less than £1 a week.

You can subscribe here to get the latest news and transfer updates from Fratton Park - and to support our local team of expert Pompey writers.