Hayden Matthews has been handed the chance to kickstart his time away from Pompey following management upheaval at Bradford City.

And that could be good news for Matthews, who has hugely struggled with playing time since agreeing a season-long move to Yorkshire at the end of August.

The £1.25m capture from Sydney FC has not played a minute of league football, with his only appearances coming in the EFL Trophy and Carabao Cup.

Ultimately, it’s been hard for the 22-year-old to question that lack of playing time, with Bradford in miserly form at the back.

Now, though, the door could be ajar for more playing time for Matthews, with Bradford hunting for a successor to Alexander.

Mark Trueman and Colin Doyle have been put in interim charge of the club, as their hunt for a new man at the helm begins.

Earlier this month Matthews was omitted from the Bradford squad against Notts County, after starting in the Carabao Cup victory against Leyton Orient.

‘This was going to be a test of our resolve as a squad and our togetherness and the early signs are really good.

‘I was quite clear in my head that the players who played the previous Saturday hadn’t done anything wrong, obviously we won the game. It was more the opportunity for the lads on Tuesday.

‘It wasn’t a judgement on the previous performance so it was going to be similar to the previous team, but the bench was a real conundrum.

‘It took me a long time, I changed it a few times in my head.

'I don’t think anyone deserved more rewards than any other but it was actually what the challenge is going to be today, who have we got concerns over niggles wise and just trying to cover as many bases as possible.

‘That’s why when players can play more positions they become more useful and they have more opportunities.

‘It was extremely tough today (to pick the team). It didn’t feel good, I’ll be honest, it didn’t feel good when you had to let five lads know they weren’t going to be in the squad today.

‘Hopefully they’ll be patient with us, understand the situation and come in next week and be ready to work.’