Kenny Jackett has discussed Craig MacGillivray's recent omission from the Portsmouth team, insisting that the Scot has done "nothing wrong" despite losing his spot in goal to Alex Bass.

The Pompey boss made the unexpected decision to demote MacGillivray to the bench against Gillingham on New Year's Day, handing 21-year-old Bass just his third league start of the season.

It was suggested that the reason behind it was because of rumours that were circulating about Rangers' reported interest in MacGillivray, but Jackett has denied that was the case.

Speaking to BBC Solent reporter Andrew Moon, the Pompey boss said: "It never does anybody harm to miss a game or two."

"Craig has been number one [goalkeeper] from day one, for a year-and-a-half, and has just lost his place for two or three games, that's all," he also told the Portsmouth News.

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MacGillivray has made a total of 26 appearances for Pompey this season in all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets.

Despite that, Jackett has said he will review the goalkeeping situation "game by game", with it looking likely that Bass will keep his place for this Saturday's game against Bolton.

The 21-year-old has now played back-to-back matches for Pompey, most recently featuring in the win against AFC Wimbledon last weekend.

Bass has also been rewarded with a new three-and-a-half-year contract at the club this week.

The Verdict

This is a strange situation at the club and Jackett's latest comments are bound to cause confusion amongst the camp, particularly with Craig MacGillivray himself.

There has been moments were the Scot has not been at his best this season, but they have not warranted getting dropped for two games on the spin.

Nevertheless, it is possible that Jackett could be protecting MacGillivray publicly, but has flagged up something with him behind the scenes to work on.

For the time being at least, the shirt is Alex Bass' to lose.