What Kenny Jackett has to say about Cameron McGeehan's Portsmouth impact following Barnsley loan switch

That's the verdict of Kenny Jackett, who has been delighted with Barnsley loanee’s contribution since his January arrival.

The Blues suffered a first defeat with McGeehan present when, on Tuesday night, they lost to a late goal at promotion rivals Coventry.

Nonetheless, Jackett is adamant the former Luton man’s attacking style perfectly complements his midfield pool.

And with Andy Cannon, Tom Naylor, Ben Close and Gareth Evans at his disposal, Pompey’s boss feels he now possesses crucial balance.

He said: ‘I have been impressed and pleased with McGeehan, he has added to our midfield and options, we needed to do that.

‘It has worked well for us in terms of the balance, there is a complement of midfield players and that has been good.

‘McGeehan is an all-round midfield player. Before he came here you would describe him as an attacking midfielder – I also think that’s what he is.

‘He has a little bit of everything, he can compete, he can tackle, he can run and he can head it as well, attributes which obviously you need to have to get yourself into the game.

‘He’s an all-round midfielder player.

‘Obviously Naylor is a defensive midfield player. Close is a bit of everything, although does a lot of his good work around the half-way line, switching play, recycling it, knitting things together very well and has been able to get forward and score some key goals.

‘McGeehan and Cannon are more on the attacking side and Gareth is an out-and-out attacking midfielder.

‘As long as there is a complement, that generally works.’

McGeehan has now totalled seven games and one goal since recruited in mid-January.

And following a period of inactivity at parent club Barnsley, Jackett can see a midfielder now back in the groove.

He added: ‘McGeehan was match fit from the start, although, while he was pleased with his form, privately his feelings were he started off about 75 per cent with more in the tank.

‘That’s a good way to look at it really because at least you’re looking to improve and looking to raise the bar.

‘He did feel that with a few games and some regular football he could keep improving and growing into it – and he has.’