Portsmouth new boys handed debuts against Colchester

New boys Callum Johnson and Cameron Pring have been granted Pompey debuts in tonight’s EFL Trophy.
Callum Johnson, who yesterday signed from Accrington,  had been handed a start at right-back against Colchester tonight. Picture: Portsmouth FCCallum Johnson, who yesterday signed from Accrington,  had been handed a start at right-back against Colchester tonight. Picture: Portsmouth FC
Callum Johnson, who yesterday signed from Accrington, had been handed a start at right-back against Colchester tonight. Picture: Portsmouth FC

The full-backs, both recruited in the last eight days, are among four changes to the side which won at Stevenage in the seasonal opener.

Johnson replaces James Bolton at right-back and Pring comes in for Lee Brown at left-back in Kenny Jackett’s starting XI against League Two Colchester.

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Craig MacGillivray starts in goal, with Alex Bass sidelined by an ankle problem and not included in the match-day 18.

Although the Scot would have been chosen ahead of his rival regardless following that Carabao Cup win over Stevenage on penalties.

The fourth and final change is Jack Whatmough granted his 99th appearance for the Blues.

The 24-year-old takes the place of Paul Downing for only his third appearance of 2020 after recovering from a serious knee injury.

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Elsewhere, Tom Naylor and Bryn Morris appear to be the preferred central midfield partnership, while Gareth Evans operates in the number 10 role.

John Marquis, who netted a superb goal at Stevenage, continues to lead the attack.

Pompey: MacGillivray, Johnson, Whatmough, Raggett, Pring, Naylor, Morris, Harness, Evans, Curtis, Marquis.

Subs: Turnbull, Bolton, Brown, Harrison, Close, Williams and Cannon.

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