Wigley: Ben Thompson's catching the eye for Portsmouth place

That's the verdict of Jake Wigley, after surveying the Millwall loanee's display in Monday night's 2-1 reserve victory over Oxford.

With Kenny Jackett in attendance at the PMC Stadium, eight players possessing first-team experience this season were granted match minutes.

Louis Dennis and Joe Mason were the scorers, yet it was the energetic and driving performance of Thompson which stood out.

Now the midfielder is pushing to break back into Pompey's side for Saturday's trip to Rochdale.

First-team coach Wigley said: '˜You can't fault Ben's application, I thought he grew into the game against Oxford.

'˜He's got that little bit of pace to get past a player and can drive at the back four of teams, threading those little balls, but he also has that defensive discipline when he needs it.

'˜The first 20 minutes of the second half we lost our way a little bit, but then Ben started getting on the ball and dictating.

'˜Not just 10-20 yard passes but little five-yard passes, creating space and getting back on the ball, driving past to open up more space.

'˜He grew into it and it will be nice to see one of those shots fly in. He's not afraid to have a go and will let fly with his left foot.

'˜We've got a really good squad, a lot of depth and quality, and the manager can call on any senior players to step into the first team and they won't look out of place.

'˜It's a great problem to have for him.'