The role key man played in Barnsley's FA Cup downfall and how he's helping Portsmouth to new highs this season

Kenny Jackett pinpointed Andy Cannon’s impact as key in Pompey’s resurgent form.
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Cannon is thriving in the position behind the striker with John Marquis largely viewed as the alternative there of late.

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Jackett felt having opting for a midfielder in the central attacking role behind Marquis was the way to go against a side of Barnsley’s quality.

He said: ‘It was a good performance from Andy and hopefully he’s okay for Tuesday and Saturday because we have big games coming up.

‘We needed him there against a side as good as Barnsley who can transfer the ball and do it very well.

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‘They’ve given good sides problems of late so I was pleased with Andy’s performance against that.’

Man-of-the-match Andy Cannon. Picture: Joe Pepler/Pin PepMan-of-the-match Andy Cannon. Picture: Joe Pepler/Pin Pep
Man-of-the-match Andy Cannon. Picture: Joe Pepler/Pin Pep

Jackett is upbeat about the prospect of Cannon being available to face Lincoln tomorrow after being withdrawn following an afternoon of hard running.

He added: ‘He felt his groin. It’s not too bad and hopefully he’s okay for Tuesday.

‘It was a good performance. He ran and ran and he just seemed to seize up and stop!

‘It’s tight but he didn’t say he’d pulled it.

‘It’s not too bad and hopefully he’s okay for Tuesday.’

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Another plus point was Ben Close returning with a goal and high-level performance after a two-game league absence following Cameron McGeehan’s arrival.

A further bonus was how Pompey handled Barnsley’s attacking threat, although Conor Chaplin was on the scoresheet on his Fratton return.

Jackett added: ‘It never does you any harm to miss a few games and build you freshness.

‘Ben fitted very well into a midfield we needed. Barnsedly are very good and can move that ball through midfield

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‘They’ve given some good sides problems, although it was inevitable Conor would score!

‘But he hasn’t just been scoring in this game, he’s on a very good run as they are.

‘Woodrow’s goal was exceptional. It seemed a really good strike and just wrong-footed Alex slightly as seen as it was left his foot.

‘But I felt the win was probably deserved.’

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