The unlikely Portsmouth revival of ex-Manchester United, Millwall, Ipswich Town, Fulham and Luton Town man

And the Blues boss has pinpointed the midfielder as one of the big plus points to emerge amid his team’s spate of midfield injuries.

Tunnicliffe’s career at Fratton Park looked to be over last summer, with the 29-year-old firmly out of favour as he entered his second season following an arrival from Luton.

There was talk of a move to AFC Wimbledon as well as interest from the MLS and Australian A-League, with no switch materialising.

After coming on as an 89th-minute substitute in the 2-2 opening-day draw at Sheffield Wednesday, Tunnicliffe didn’t feature until the 3-2 loss at Ipswich on October 1.

That was the catalyst for 10 appearances as injuries hit hard in the middle of the park, however, with the likes of Louis Thompson, Marlon Pack and Tom Lowery sidelined.

Eight of those on the spin came as starts, before Tunnicliffe returned to the bench against MK Dons last weekend.

Jay Mingi has been another to seize the opportunity and see his stock rise through the midfield absences.

Cowley highlighted the conduct of the ex-Manchester United trainee, as being key to allowing his Pompey renaissance.

He said: ‘Tunni has been playing well.

‘He’s been very professional and works well every day.

‘Like Kieron (Freeman), he’s popular within the group.

‘As a manager you can only pick 11 or 18 (in the squad), though.

‘He’s been good and he’s been one of the positives of the injuries we’ve had.

‘A positive has been it’s created an opportunity for someone else.

‘That’s been the case with both Jay Mingi and Ryan.

‘Both of them have taken their opportunities.’