Jack Whatmough and Matt Clarke have come in from high praise - from the man who has arguably the best view of their play.

Keeper Craig MacGillivray says the central defensive pairing have maturity to go with talent and have great futures in the game.

The stopper was speaking after the two 22-year-olds led Pompey to another clean sheet and another away win, at Bradford on Saturday.

MacGillivray told The News: '‘For such a young age, the pair of them are unbelievable. Unbelievable. There are a lot of young players out there who have all the ability, but maturity-wise are not there. Whereas Clarkey and Whatty are babies and perform with maturity. I think it is incredible, I had to double take when I was first told about their ages.

‘Their ability is there, but it is their maturity which got me, how grown up they are and how well they read the game and don’t get sucked into an occasion. They are so level-headed.

‘Normally when you see a young lad with no experience it can be difficult, but both gel very well with their mindsets — and their maturity levels are second to none. Look at the attributes they’ve got, they have everything in abundance.

'It’s all up to them now to keep hold of their shirts, keep working hard in training and putting in the performances. ‘I am sure if they keep their heads down then they’ll have a very, very good career.’

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