The predicament Rangers-linked Craig MacGillivray thought was behind him as Portsmouth prepare to face his former club Shrewsbury

It was a performance that would have helped convince Kenny Jackett in his recruitment drive.
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Not that the Pompey boss wasn't already aware of Craig MacGillivray, having kept an eye on the keeper when in the Midlands with Wolves.

When Shrewsbury travelled to Fratton Park in January 2018, it was MacGillivray who lined up between the posts for the visitors.

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He was making just his third League One appearance of the campaign – and eighth of his career – when deputising for the highly-regarded Dean Henderson.

Despite his inexperience, MacGillivray delivered a man-of-the-match display as the Shrews snatched a 1-0 victory.

Less than five months later, PO4 would become the stopper’s new home.

More crucially, it was an opportunity to finally nail down a No1 spot he craved after four years of patience.

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MacGillivray earned his Football League breakthrough in 2014 after moving to Walsall from Harrogate Town.

Craig MacGillivray heads for the substitutes' bench before Pompey's 1-0 loss at Coventry on Tuesday. Picture: Kieran CleevesCraig MacGillivray heads for the substitutes' bench before Pompey's 1-0 loss at Coventry on Tuesday. Picture: Kieran Cleeves
Craig MacGillivray heads for the substitutes' bench before Pompey's 1-0 loss at Coventry on Tuesday. Picture: Kieran Cleeves

Yet Neil Etheridge – now at Cardiff – was the first-choice stopper for the majority of his time at the Saddlers.

Then, after joining Shrewsbury, Manchester United loanee Henderson was above MacGillivray in the ranks.

Henderson’s now one of the top-performing keepers in the top flight with Sheffield United, with some calling for him to become England’s No1.

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Upon his Fratton Park arrival, there were no promises MacGillivray would don the star & crescent week in, week out.

Pre-season friendly selection swiftly highlighted he'd dislodged Luke McGee, though.

And it didn’t take long for the former Leeds triallist to become a fans’ favourite on the south coast.

His precise decision-making and penchant to dominate his area were domains McGee’s repertoire failed to discover during the 2017-18 campaign.

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MacGillivray ended his maiden Blues season having featured in every League One game, making a crucial penalty save from Lee Cattermole in the Checkatrade Trophy triumph against Sunderland, and recording 17 clean sheets.

During the summer, not even a, erm, clairvoyant would have predicted MacGillivray being dropped for Alex Bass midway through the season.

His stock continued to rise with a breakthrough into the Scotland squad, while he was linked with a move to Glasgow Rangers.

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But as Pompey prepare to take on his former club on Saturday, MacGillivray again finds himself in the plight he thought he'd escaped when swapping Shrewsbury for PO4.

Bass’ selection at Gillingham on New Year's Day was a major curveball.

MacGillivray had made no glaring errors, while Bass had just four Football League appearances to his name up to that point.

Yet after starting nine of the Blues' 11 matches this year, it's becoming more and more evident the academy graduate is now firmly first choice.

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Matt Godden’s strike in Tuesday’s 1-0 loss at Coventry was the first goal Bass conceded in 472 minutes of league football.

The 21-year-old has been part of a stoic rearguard that’s been key to propelling the Blues into the League One play-off places.

Consequently, MacGillivray has been confined to two EFL Trophy outings in 2020, although it remains to be seen whether he’ll be handed the gloves for the semi-final against Exeter on Tuesday.

Undoubtedly, the 26-year-old will feel his career has taken a significant backwards step in recent weeks.

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And as there’s been no defining factor behind the decision given to MacGillivray, a continuous state of bewilderment is the emotion coursing through him.

His lack of minutes puts his berth in Scotland’s set-up for their Euro 2020 play-off against Israel next month at risk – and potentially not being involved in a major international tournament.

MacGillivray’s steep, upward trajectory has taken a U-turn.

Now he battles to ensure it doesn’t go full circle to the predicament he was in at Shrewsbury.

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