Kenny Jackett can keep Portsmouth squad happy

David Wheeler believes Jackett maintaining an open dialogue with his players can negotiate the difficult terrain of keeping those not involved regularly on board.

Jackett now has a 25-man squad at his disposal after recruiting 10 players across the summer.

The depth is much-improved with the quality on the subs' bench in recent games under-lining that point.

But Wheeler backed his manager to work his squad correctly and not ostracise any of the players he can call on.

He said: '˜It's difficult when you have players at your disposal.

'˜It's a good problem to have as a manager, but obviously has to be managed in the right way with personalities and people desperate to play.

'˜But the manager is very respectful to the people who don't play, and players respond to that.

'˜Those performances are going to push those in the first team.

'˜It's not commonplace in football (a dialogue with the players left out), so that's a credit to him.'

Tuesday's Checkatrade Trophy win over Gillingham proved a landmark for Wheeler as he got his first 90 minutes under his belt in a year.

An ankle problem finished his season off in December, so Wheeler knows patience will prove a virtue as he feels his way back.

He added: '˜I have to keep things in perspective. I'm never very good at that!

'˜I always want to run before I can walk. That's in my nature, so I will always be a little frustrated.

'˜It's pleasing to know I've had two decent games under my belt, though. I'm starting to feel good about my health and fitness again.'