Why Exeter's visit could deliver massive statement in ongoing battle of Portsmouth keepers

Kenny Jackett has repeatedly insisted he has no first-choice keeper, with Alex Bass and Craig MacGillivray instead portrayed as neck-and-neck.

Regardless, Bass has started the past eight League One fixtures, plus both FA Cup fixtures during that period.

Meanwhile, MacGillivray was named in the two previous rounds of the Leasing.com Trophy – Walsall and Scunthorpe.

Now the competition has reached its semi-final stage, with League Two high-fliers Exeter standing in the way of a Wembley return.

Last term, MacGillivray replaced Bass from the quarter-finals onwards, with Jackett adding a greater first-team element as Checkatrade Trophy involvement progressed.

This time round, the Scot is the one under threat in the competition, with Bass continuing to impress during league duty.

Certainly, Jackett would not be drawn on the identity of his goalkeeper against Exeter.

However, it offers up an intriguing selection dilemma – and a potential indicator of Pompey’s future first-choice keeper.

Jackett said: ‘We will see, Craig is a consideration, definitely.

‘Whichever keeper we pick, whether it be Alex or Craig, I have confidence in, not just in this competition but in the league or FA Cup.

‘We are in all three competitions and both of them are good enough to play in any of those games.

‘Last season I brought Craig in at the quarter-final stage and he stayed there.

‘Whichever keeper I pick for Tuesday night, they are both capable of doing well.’

Bass lined up for the Blues in their opening four fixtures of this season’s Leasing.com Trophy.

He had replaced MacGillivray in the league side shortly before the following round’s trip to Walsall in early January.

That meant the Scot was instead handed the role at the Bescot Stadium, saving a penalty in a 2-1 victory.

Immediately, Bass was restored for League One commitments, although made way for the quarter-final against Scunthorpe.

Once more MacGillivray was given the Leasing.com Trophy fixture, with the Blues winning 2-1 to reach the semi-finals.

Now we await who receives the nod for Exeter – it could be quite some statement.