AN ankle injury and a slightly below par performance against Oxford United last weekend, led to Connor Clifford being on the bench against Portsmouth.

Clifford was replaced in midfield by Gary Deegan.

And boss Phil Brown confirmed it was down to a combination of form and fitness.

“It was a bit of both,” said Brown.

“He’s in rich form but he hit a bit of a lull against Oxford.

“He didn’t quite pull up trees like he had been.

“People might say it’s harsh dropping him but he’s a young lad and still has plenty of time to come back.

“Gary Deegan brings in something different and he really dug in for us.”