Portsmouth boss' verdict on young keeper as Alex Bass prepares for biggest night of career against Arsenal

The young Pompey keeper is set to be handed the task of keeping Arsenal’s legion of highly-touted Premier League stars at bay in the FA Cup fifth round at Fratton Park.

The eyes of the nation will be trained on PO4 as Kenny Jackett’s men go in search of an upset in the televised clash - and a first win over the Gunners since 1958.

If Bass is again given the nod over Craig MacGillvray in goal, it will be the biggest moment of the 21-year-old’s 24-game senior career with the Blues.

But Jackett has no doubt the academy graduate has the mentality to deal with potentially repelling the likes of Patrick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette.

He said: ‘I like Alex. I’m pleased with him.

‘Although he’s young I’m confident in him moving forward.

‘He’s handled everything so far. He’s not someone who flaps. He’s quite mature.

‘He’s got a good temperament and the temperament of a successful keeper.

‘He’ll be excited, yes, but I don’t think it’ll be too much for him.

‘He’s 21 but he handles situations well and his temperament and response to mistakes is very good.

‘In the end he has a good determination as a person.’

Jackett feels it’s important Pompey aren’t overawed by the task brought by tackling Mikel Arteta’s men under the Fratton lights.

He’s confident his men - and Bass in particular - can do themselves justice in dealing with that task.

Jackett added: ‘There’s an excitement but if you look at Arsenal too much you can think yourself out of it with the squad they have.

‘We can have a look at them but then concentrate on ourselves and see where that takes us. I’m sure Alex will be the same in that situation.

‘Although he’s young, I feel he has the balance to handle situations.’