Portsmouth boss reveals key factor over whether defender Sean Raggett will face Burton Albion after Wigan Athletic horror injury

And that will lead to the Pompey boss being guided by the medical experts over his return from a suspected fractured cheekbone.

SUBSCRIBE today for the latest Pompey update

Cowley is refusing to rule the defender out of the clash with Burton Albion on Saturday, despite initial fears his season was over after suffering the injury at Wigan on Monday.

But he admitted he will ultimately be guided by the experts over his decision.

Cowley said: ‘We have to listen to the medical advice.

‘That’s a little outside of my professional boundaries, so we will be advised by those guys and try to make an intelligent decision.

‘It’s always the players first.

‘I remember him coming off once against Dover, he’d been knocked out and not remembered the incident. He was adamant he was going to play on, even though my physio said he was out cold and concussed.

‘We made the right decision for him, because sometimes in the moment the players can’t make the right decision for themselves.

‘There’s that duty of care and we work with the players.’

Raggett did some training yesterday and has made it clear to Cowley he would like to feature this weekend.

The Pompey head coach feels that typifies the 27-year-old’s attitude.

He added: ‘For us, it’s a player-centred environment. We believe if we do the right thing by the players, good human beings will reciprocate in their behaviours.

‘Sean’s mindset, determination, bravery and humility to learn are all qualities I love in him.

‘He’s a great kid with a brilliant attitude.

‘If you had 11 Sean Raggetts you might not be that pleasing on the eye - but you would certainly be competitive.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News has launched a subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage, starting at less than 14p a day.

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