Portsmouth fear Andy Cannon burn out during exhausting fixture schedule

And the Blues boss has warned that the 23-year-old will require resting at times during the forthcoming exhausting schedule.

The tireless Cannon has been inspirational for the Blues during the past two months as they maintain their magnificent form.

Cannon’s regard among the Fratton faithful is presently at its highest, while Jackett has now handed him a regular first-team presence.

Yet with 12 matches in six weeks, starting at struggling Tranmere on Saturday, the Blues are fearful his high-octane style may suffer.

And Jackett conceded he is monitoring the former Rochdale man.

He said: ‘If you are looking over the last month or so, Cannon has played a lot of games.

‘His numbers for running are off the wall, but is he going to play 12 games in six weeks? I don’t think he is.

‘I hope he does, but I can’t see that happening because of the energy he puts in. You see him at the end of games, sometimes he can hardly walk let alone run! But he has played well and run well.

‘We have six Tuesday-Saturday games. Will he play all of them? Probably not, but, if he could, that would be great.

‘Cannon didn’t want to come off on Saturday, he was feeling his glute, it was around that hamstring area.

‘He got such a great reception from the fans, I think he enjoyed that, it was terrific appreciation.

‘His running stats, as you can imagine, are very, very high.’

Cannon has made 21 appearances this season, while has started eight of the last 12 fixtures in all competitions.

Jackett added: ‘I do think during the course of this season he has improved and improved, we are now seeing somewhere near his best form.

‘He’s quite young as well, so I think there is more to come.

‘He maybe gets frustrated when he wants some assists and goals, but he shouldn’t do because he’s now creating chances for people and generally playing well for the team.’