Whittingham: Our form has stopped me using creative talent

But the Gibraltar international is in the frame to feature at Scunthorpe tonight after his impressive substitute display on Saturday.

The 24-year-old came off the bench at the interval when David Connolly was sidelined by a hamstring problem.

Walker was at the heart of the Blues’ massively-improved second-half showing.

His sublime first-time pass over the head of former Blues team-mate Josh Thompson created James Keene’s maiden Pompey goal.

Although the hosts lost 3-2, Walker was a major positive in just his sixth appearance under the caretaker boss.

And Whittingham conceded the 17-match winless run had harmed the cultured midfielder’s number of outings.

He said: ‘I thought Liam did very well when he came on.

‘He’s got the bit between the teeth and has a point to prove.

‘We know he’s a decent passer. We have been trying to help him out with the other side of the game – the working back and the organisation side of things.

‘But we know he has got a pass in him and has some good touches.

‘It’s not easy for anybody coming into a side that’s on a run like we are and lift things up.

‘There is a lot of pressure on you, especially with Liam because he is a ball player.

‘You just can’t blame him for the performances when we have not created enough.

‘As a ball player you naturally don’t do the horrible side of the game.

‘You are one of the ones who is meant to get on the ball and create things and make things happen.