'˜Stable' MacGillivray proving to be Pompey rock

That's the verdict of Joe Gallen, who has been impressed by the early-season contribution of the Scot.

The keeper turned in a man-of-the-match display as the Blues claimed a hard-fought triumph at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night.

MacGillivray has swiftly settled into life at Fratton Park, toppling Luke McGee from the number one spot and catching the eye in the process.

The Blues head to Doncaster on Saturday, striving for a club record-equalling five-consecutive league wins at the start of a season.

And Gallen is full of admiration for the summer recruit from Shrewsbury.

Pompey's assistant manager said: '˜Well done to Craig, he's made a really good start.

'˜We have two good goalkeepers '“ because Luke is a good goalkeeper too '“ and the competition side of it is higher than last season.

'˜We actually have two number ones fighting for one shirt. Craig knows Luke is waiting.

'˜He's very stable, a stable person, and pretty sensible, I think goalkeepers should be like that really.

'˜I know they have to be a bit mad to dive at people's feet, I do understand that, but I prefer people to be pretty stable, not too high, not too low.

'˜Craig's made a couple of mistakes, but is not one to have lost any confidence at all through that. In fact, he has gained a lot of confidence because he has been able to make saves in every game.

'˜He comes for crosses, his kicking is consistent and it looks like his time.

'˜Craig's not flashy in how he goes about his work and pretty quiet day-to-day. It's a good opportunity for him and a big chance to play for a big club.

'˜He has grabbed it so far.'

Goalkeeping rival McGee's sole outing so far this season has been the Carabao Cup defeat to AFC Wimbledon.

In the meantime, MacGillivray has excelled in league action, particularly in the Memorial Stadium triumph which maintained the Blues' placing in second. 

Gallen added: '˜He made a lot of saves, the one at the end from Kyle Bennett when he has fallen back, that's the one.

'˜Typical Bristol Rovers, even at 10-men they still had a clear-cut chance at the end.

'˜And it was another very good save from Craig.'