Gareth Evans handed Portsmouth recall for Shrewsbury visit

Gareth Evans is handed his first league start since New Year’s Day for this afternoon’s visit of Shrewsbury.

The long-serving midfielder was previously included in only two of Pompey’s last five squads for League One action.

However, he has been recalled to serve in the number 10 role against Shrewsbury at a wet and windy Fratton Park.

He represents one of three changes to the team which lost 1-0 at Coventry on Tuesday evening.

Ben Close, Ryan Williams and John Marquis drop to the bench, with Ellis Harrison and Marcus Harness also returning.

With Andy Cannon still absent following injury, Kenny Jackett has named the same match-day 18 for the encounter with the struggling Shrews.

Pompey: Bass, Bolton, Burgess, Raggett, Seddon, Naylor, McGeehan, Harness, Evans, Curtis, Harrison.

Subs: MacGillivray, Close, McCrorie, Marquis, Williams, Brown, Whatmough.