Portsmouth had to beat Oxford United on penalties in the EFL Trophy last night, and fans reckon they’ve got a new star in the making at Fratton Park.

21-year-old Alex Bass stole the show at the Kassam Stadium last night, making 11 saves and performing heroics in the penalty shoot-out to keep Pompey top of their EFL Trophy group.

Kenny Jackett’s side took the lead twice in the game - in the first half through Bradley Lethbridge, and in the second through Anton Walkes.

Pompey were pegged back twice by the home side, and the game has to be settled on penalties.

It was only Bass’ third appearance of the season and only his fourth career one - he’s been Jackett’s number one in EFL Trophy games this season.

Jackett’s regular number one Craig MacGillivray is due to miss Saturday’s game against Gillingham after being called-up for international duty - he’s one of a trio that will miss the Gills game due to that.

It was uncertain whether Jackett would call-off the Gills game due to several players being unavailable, as he did last month for the match against Southend United when MacGillivray, Ronan Curtis and Ross McCrorie were again called-up.

He and defender Joe Hancott have been regular features in EFL Trophy matches, and are both products of the Pompey youth academy.At 21, Bass is a host of young players breaking through at Fratton Park.

McCrorie is another youngster at 21, and is a regular in the Scottish U21 side which rules him out of the Gillingham game this weekend.

His saves left Pompey fans in awe, and they were quick to take to Twitter after the game to sing their praises about the homegrown goalkeeper.

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