You might call it the battle of the Bens ... the fight between Thompson and Close for one of Pompey's midfield spots.

Loanee Thompson has been impressive since arriving from Millwall but local lad Close is starting to push him for a place in Kenny Jackett's team.

Now the manager has spoken about how both have strengths that can aid the Blues.

The question is... could both be accommodated in the side if Jackett so desired?

Jackett told The News: 'Ben (Thompson) has had some outstanding games — and a couple where I don’t think he has quite brought his strengths to it. He has a real strength at times to get to the ball first, be able to close people down and, off the back of that, is an accurate passer.

‘When he’s not quite getting into the game quickly enough, that is when it has perhaps been slightly bypassing him in that area. But he’s a good player, a very, very good character and will be a plus for us during the course of the season.

‘Ben hasn’t played a lot of football, that is part of it, some of it is tactical. As I say to the players, you have to use the squad, and use it as best you can to try to win the games. He’s a very good player, I’m very confident he will have a good season for us.’

Talking about the difference between Thompson and Close, the manager told The News: ‘Thompson tackles, he reads the game and gets interceptions, there’s also the pressure he can put on people, his game thrives on that.

‘Then there’s the simple pass and, off the back of that, he has a low centre of gravity and gets himself out of tight situations.

‘Ben Close is more your classic passer that can get the ball off the back four and get you playing slightly. But I have time for both of them — and will need both of them and more over the course of the season.’

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