Speaking to The News, Portsmouth, under fire Portsmouth FC manager Kenny Jackett has explained his decision to substitute Rangers loanee Ross McCrorie on Saturday.
The 21-year-old was named Man of the Match for his display against Oxford United, but he was withdrawn from the action and replaced by James Bolton after 85 minutes.
A defensive lapse then allowed the opposition to equalise, meaning that late goals have now cost Pompey points for the last three weekends in a row.
“It was just to make sure Ross didn’t get sent off,” Jackett told The News, Portsmouth. “He was on a booking and there are sometimes situations he puts himself into. I didn’t want to go down to 10 men.”
“Ross was on a yellow and then made a foul midway through the second half, where it did look like one more and that could be it.
“He brought a lot to our game and is learning all the time. In terms of bookings, he has to be careful and learn from that – and he can and will keep improving.”
Verdict
Later in the interview, Jackett went onto praise McCrorie, claiming he was ‘pleased’ with him and asserting that he’s ‘found his feet now’. Yet, his comments here betray a lack of trust in the Scotland U21 skipper.
McCrorie was in fact sent off for two bookable offences on debut, but he’s only picked up three cautions in nine games since, so it’s hardly as if he’s been chopping players down week in, week out.
Ultimately the decision to disrupt a solid defence by hooking the loanee from the action with just five minutes left proved a costly one.
With promotion-fancied Pompey ailing in 15th spot in EFL League One and many fans demanding change, it’s fair to say the former Wales international is under big pressure.
