Why Swansea starlet's been sidelined after arriving at Pompey with big hopes

Yet, George Byers’ reward for a Pompey man-of-the-match performance in the insipid 3-1 loss at Bristol Rovers was a place on the bench against Blackpool on Saturday.

It was rough justice on the Swansea loanee and a call from Kenny Jackett which raised an eyebrow or two.

Byers had to be content with a 29-minute outing off the bench in the frustrating 1-0 defeat at Fratton Park, and then found himself an unused sub against Oxford United on Tuesday night.

Hopes have been high for the impact the 24-year-old can have to Pompey’s promotion bid after his arrival in January.

And Byers has stressed he’s more than happy to take that weight of expectation on his shoulders over the coming weeks.

But it’s Tom Naylor and, perhaps more significantly, Andy Cannon who’s in his way at the moment.

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Jackett has outlined his reasons for taking Byers back out of the starting XI last weekend ,and restricting him to just a single league start and four sub appearances so far.

The Pompey boss made it clear he values the former Watford man and still sees him having a significant impact for his team.

Jackett said: ‘I thought George played well and put some key passes through in the Bristol Rovers game.

‘It didn’t help us to get the win we wanted down there, but I did think he played well.

‘He is a player I rate, but both Tom Naylor and Andy Cannon’s form has been excellent.

‘For him at the moment it’s tough to push them out.

‘His chance will come, though, and his opportunities will come. He’s a very good midfield player and I do rate him.

‘Right now at the moment, though, Naylor and Cannon’s form has been that good that I’ve persevered and carried on with that selection.

‘He’s a really good player who can pass - and pass forward.

‘Along with Cannon or Naylor, I do think George Byers is a very good option.’

Jackett also highlighted how he feels Byers has been a victim of Pompey moving away from the three-man midfield utilised at Bristol Rovers.

On that occasion, Naylor anchored the midfield behind Byers and Cannon with Ryan Williams and Ronan Curtis used either side of John Marquis.

Jackett has returned to playing a second striker, with Ronan Curtis joining Ellis Harrison up front at Oxford - and the Republic of Ireland international seeing his future in that role.

The Pompey boss felt a body further up the pitch was required, with Marquis isolated in recent games before his was dropped on Tuesday night.

And Byers has found himself the man to miss out as that move was implemented.

Jackett added: ‘At the right time we’ve needed a bit more support for the centre-forward rather than playing a third midfield player.

‘The time when we’ve played all three together - Cannon, Naylor and Byers - I just feel that we’ve lacked slightly up front.

‘That’s not George’s fault, but I’ve just felt we’ve needed that little bit more support for the striker.’

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