Portsmouth’s strongest XI over the crucial Christmas period

CM – Michael Doyle

Captain fantastic! Doyle was brought in when Cook took permanent charge at the beginning of the 2015-16 campaign.

He works extremely hard and crops up with the odd goal from the centre of midfield.

The Irishman controls the game well, slows it down where necessary and is relishing his chance after having a season to slot in at Fratton Park.

He has started all 19 league games this season and there is no doubt that he is one of the first on the team sheet.