Portsmouth’s strongest XI over the crucial Christmas period

CB – Matt Clarke

Clarke is a towering presence at the back and was given his chance of first-team football by Cook after coming from Ipswich Town last season.

He has established a fantastic partnership with Burgess at the back after playing together for a year now.

He is calm in possession and rarely makes mistakes for someone who is just 20 years of age.

Clarke also has a remarkable disciplinary record for a centre-back, only picking up one yellow card to date this season.