The key contenders to be crowned Portsmouth's player of the season

It's a period that allows us to take stock of Pompey's season so far.
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The coronavirus pandemic has suspended football until April 30, although that date is likely to be pushed back further with the outbreak accelerating across the country.

When the League One season does recommence, Pompey have nine games remaining to achieve promotion.

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The Blues sit fourth in the table, but are just two spots outside the automatics and a big finish is required if a Championship return is to be enjoyed.

In the meantime, though, it's a chance to reflect on the campaign so far and pick out the player in contention to be crowned The News/ Sports Mail Player of the Season.

The likes of Andy Cannon, Ben Close, Sean Raggett and Ryan Williams all have claims but we've narrowed it down to a shortlist of five who could be holding the silverware aloft come the final home game (whenever that is) of the campaign.

Christian Burgess

It's remarkable that the fans’ favourite was regarded as third-choice centre-back throughout pre-season, with Kenny Jackett planning on Paul Downing and Sean Raggett to be his preferred partnership.

From left: Steve Seddon, Christian Burgess and Ronan Curtis.From left: Steve Seddon, Christian Burgess and Ronan Curtis.
From left: Steve Seddon, Christian Burgess and Ronan Curtis.
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However, Burgess has simply been undroppable this term and is arguably playing his best football in his fifth season on the south coast.

He’s led by example when Pompey’s defence has looked shaky at times and also operated admirably as a makeshift right-back when required.

Burgess has missed three games through suspension – and the void he left was stark.

Pompey fell to comprehensive defeats at Accrington and Peterborough, while Jackett wasn't happy with how many chances Fleetwood were given in the 2-2 draw before the campaign ground to a halt.

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In total, Burgess has scored four goals in 43 appearances this term.

He's been unlucky to miss out on the gong to the likes of Michael Doyle, Enda Stevens and Matt Clarke in previous seasons - but it finally might be his year.

Steve Seddon

Despite only arriving in January, the left-back’s impact has been magnificent, netting once and creating five in just 17 games.

Joining from Birmingham on loan to cover the injuries of Lee Brown and Brandon Haunstrup, Seddon's not just caught the eye but made the berth his own.

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During the first half of the season, Pompey struggled to take advantage of dead-ball situations, with deliverier too often their downfall.

Seddon's been the remedy, though, with his whipped set-pieces bolstering the Blues’ threat significantly.

It was no coincidence that Christian Burgess and Sean Raggett broke their ducks for the season came after Seddon moved to PO4.

In addition, he's also displayed his threat when marauding down the left flank and built a sound rapport with Ronan Curtis.

Tom Naylor

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Similar to Christian Burgess, Pompey have also looked brittle when Naylor has dropped back to defence.

The Blues have lacked the same nous and bite in the engine room, with the former Burton man certainly providing those qualities.

Naylor was appointed skipper shortly into the season and has taken to the role admirably.

He commands the respect of his team-mates, with Ellis Harrison pinpointing his captain's leadership skills during the 1-0 win over Ipswich in December.

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‘You could see that heart from all over the pitch, like when Tom Naylor went straight through their guy and got the ball. He's our captain and our leader, so it gave us a real boost, while it's the kind of thing the fans buzz off.’

Naylor was named Players’ Player of the Season at the club's gala dinner last term and has a chance to add another award to his collection.

Ronan Curtis

If the bookies were to price this one up, the Republic of Ireland international would either be installed favourite or second favourite to land the honour.

Having started the campaign out of sorts, Ronan Curtis has been in excellent since the beginning of November.

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In total, the winger's plundered 13 goals and 12 assists from 43 outings and there were celebrations all round when he penned a new three-and-a-half year deal in February.

If Pompey are to yield promotion, they need a creator-in-chief who’ll provide the inspiration in their final nine games of the season – akin to Kal Naismith’s heroics in the League Two title-winning campaign three years ago.

If there’s anyone capable in this Blues squad then it is Curtis, which might be enough to land him the spoils.

Ellis Harrison

What the Fratton faithful will always appreciate first and foremost is someone who puts the groundwork in.

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Luckily for Pompey, they have two strikers in John Marquis and Ellis Harrison who're both willing to do so.

While the former has bagged 14 times, it’s been the various facets of Harrison’s game that give him a slight edge.

The summer signing from Ipswich can not only offer a focal point – and usually take a battering – but his pace allows the channels to be stretched and opens up space.

A tally of 10 goals in 37 appearances is a respectable tally considering his remit is more than sticking the ball away.

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