Jack Whatmough on standby after Christian Burgess' Portsmouth ban
Jack Whatmough is in the frame for a first-team recall after Christian Burgess collected a two-game ban.
Burgess was booked in the second half of last night’s victory after questioning a foul committed on him by Ian Henderson during a Rochdale attack.
Referee Nicholas Kinseley brandished the yellow card, taking the 28-year-old’s tally to 10 for the season.
It means Burgess will now miss League One matches against Peterborough (March 7) and Fleetwood (March 10).
However, he is free to face Arsenal in Monday night’s televised FA Cup fifth-round clash.
Whatmough, who was omitted from the 18-man squad in the 3-0 victory over Rochdale, will now come into the side at centre-half.
Jackett said: ‘Christian will miss Peterborough and Fleetwood.
‘He’s a little bit unhappy with the booking, but he’s had nine before that this season.
‘Jack wasn’t in the squad last night, I just decided to take a chance on more forwards. We have a number of people which can drop into centre-back if there is an injury, while I am unlikely to take off a central defender tactically.
‘Anyway, two full-backs, a midfield player and three forwards were the combination of outfield players on the bench against Rochdale.
‘That puts Jack in the frame, he has been waiting, he’s a good player and will be fine.’
Burgess scored his fourth goal of the season as the Blues last night climbed up to third in League One.
Ryan Williams and Steve Seddon also netted in a 10th successive Fratton Park win in all competitions.