Portsmouth defender will sometimes 'get himself in a bit of a pickle' - and fans must understand

That's the verdict of former Blues midfielder Alan McLaughlin, speaking on BBC Radio Solent.

Raggett's featured in every League One game so far, helping Kenny Jackett's side concede seven goals and record four clean sheets in nine games.

There are still sections of supporters who want to see Rasmus Nicolaisen come into the starting line-up in place of Raggett, however.

The ex-Norwich man had a nervy moment in Tuesday's 4-0 victory over Northampton shortly after half-time when he gave the ball away before colliding with a visiting player inside the area.

The referee did not point to the penalty spot, though, and John Marquis went up the other end to score his second goal of the game.

With Raggett being right-footed but playing on the left, McLaughlin feels that’s why the centre-back will run into trouble on occasions.

The former Republic of Ireland international told BBC Radio Solent: ‘You're going to have hot and cold games and it's not always going to be about quality.

‘It takes time to find a rhythm and the right group of players that are going to work to how you want to work.

‘I would say about Sean Raggett that he's right-footed and is playing as a left-sided centre-half.

‘He is going to get into trouble sometimes and the fans have to understand that.

‘He is not as comfortable on his left foot. He does want to try to play but sometimes he is going to get himself in a bit of a pickle.

‘It happened on a couple of occasions against Northampton but Jack Whatmough's more comfortable on the right-hand side.

‘With his injuries and what he's been through, he is better playing ont he right but they'll be delighted with the performance and how things of gone.’

Raggett joined Pompey on a permanent basis this summer, after scoring two goals in 38 appearances during his season-long loan from Norwich last season.

Having formed a settled partnership with Whatmough, he’s made it difficult for Nicolaisen to get the minutes he moved to Fratton Park for.

The FC Midtjylland loanee hoped for regular action on the south coast, having been down the pecking order at the current Danish Superliga champions.

But so far he’s been limited to two matches – with only one substitute outing in the league.