‘When form isn’t top drawer…’: Portsmouth boss’ skipper selection statement ahead of Sheffield Wednesday

But the Pompey boss admitted he will not dodge a cut-throat selection call, as he weighs up the best way to bounce back from the worrying Cardiff performance against Sheffield Wednesday.

Pack’s displays are currently under the spotlight, after a number of disappointing individual efforts in the 2-0 loss in Wales on Tuesday night.

It’s undoubtedly been a period where the Buckland boy’s level has dropped, after setting an incredibly high bar in last season’s title-winning campaign.

But Mousinho believes the 33-year-old has maintained standards in a long career and the head coach’s time at PO4, which gives him faith his skipper will come through his current challenges.

Mousinho said: ‘You don’t play as many games as Marlon’s played, 600-plus games at this level and in the league, without having the ability to bounce back from criticism and when your form isn’t top drawer.

‘I’ve got all faith in Marlon to be able to do that.

‘Individual players will come in for criticism after performances like that, but the team and the squad as a whole have to take far more responsibility than individuals.

‘We’re looking at a player here who captained the club to winning the league last season and was in every, single team of the year and runner-up in the EFL player of the year behind Harrison Burrows.

‘He’s done a huge amount for this football club.

‘That obviously goes a long way, but we have to make decisions based on what will win the next football match.

‘Marlon has been a fantastic leader since I’ve been at this football club.

‘Any performance will always come under scrutiny, regardless where you are in the league and how you’ve done, after a performance like Cardiff.’