The rule change which will play to Portsmouth's strengths against Oxford United
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The Blues midfielder reckons the minimum two additional changes allowed in the play-offs will help his side make the most of their squad depth.
Kenny Jackett is working with a 24-man squad at present and everyone got a runout in yesterday’s 1-1 draw at Brentford.
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Hide AdThe additional subs have been introduced with players returning after what will be nearly a four-month lay-off by the time the Oxford United clash comes around.
Close acknowledged it may be tough for some players to play for 90 minutes at full pelt on July 3.
But with Jackett having some good options available that shouldn't be an issue for Pompey when they take on a side who were in flying form before the season was suspended.
He told talkSPORT 2: ‘I’m sure the manager has been thinking a lot about the extra subs.
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Hide Ad‘I think it can only benefit us. We have a very strong squad and are now able to get more of those players on to the field when they are fresh.
‘Players may be flagging a bit towards the end of the game and I think the substitutes are going to be very important.
‘We haven’t played games for a while now and not everyone is going to be able to last 90 minutes and potentially extra-time, too.
‘I think the five subs rule will definitely help us because we have a really strong squad.
‘It’s good we are able to utilise that squad.’
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