Back three switch was a case of needs must

KENNY JACKETT has explained the reasoning behind Pompey’s decision to field a back three at Doncaster.

The Blues’ boss surprisingly went with Rasmus Nicolaisen, Sean Raggett and Jack Whatmough at the Keepmoat Stadium last night.

That left Haji Mnoga and Charlie Daniels as the wingbacks.

However, that system was ditched shortly after 20 minutes – with Pompey losing 1-0 and struggling to perform. Rovers went on to claim a 2-1 success.

Jackett told The News: ‘We obviously have two recognised right-backs out (Callum Johnson and James Bolton).

‘For the lads down our right-hand side not necessarily natural in those positions, I did feel we might be able to catch Doncaster early and be able to press them with an extra man up there.

‘That was the thinking behind it.

‘Doncaster scored both goals down that side. It’s not necessarily individual errors, but both goals have come down that side.

‘We have not played three at the back many times, but sometimes when it’s needs must, that’s all it is.

‘I then changed it to a flat back four because I did feel we were open. We were particularly struggling with Josh Sims on their left-hand side, we needed to get one player closer to him.

‘We will look at it again, although we had one good chance at the start and, let’s be fair, could have had a penalty as well in that period.

‘After a certain period, we knew we could all shuffle one across with the same players and it did give us a bit more defensive stability.

‘After that we didn't necessarily create the right amount of chances.’