Jack Whatmough has been one of Pompey's more consistent performers this season and most felt he made a big difference to the team in the draw at Cheltenham.

And Andy Awford has paid tribute to the defender's display - while stressing that others who missed out were not 'bombed' out, just casualties of his different approach for this game.

It was Pompey's first away point since the 0-0 draw at York in early October and Whatmough set up the equaliser for Nigel Atangana.

Awford told The News: ‘For this particular game we felt it was the best way to go to make those changes. Nobody is bombed as such, everybody has a part to play, we will go again today.

‘Jack was reminiscent of our performance. He grew into the game and that was how we played. We got better and stronger as the game went on and so did he. I was pleased with him.

‘A couple of times he has managed to come out and pass the ball and that is good. The way they played, with one up, our two centre halves had a bit of the ball and he has used that well and has that ability.

‘I have worked with Jack for a long time and he can do that. He is encouraged to do it. I have no problem with him doing that from the centre circle. I couldn’t select him for the last game, that is why he wasn’t in contention. I felt he needed a reserve game to get his fitness levels up — but I had no problem on Saturday with him.’

Whatmough now seems likely to stay in the side for Boxing Day's visit of AFC Wimbledon.

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