There was an unfamiliar presence at the heart of Wycombe’s midfield on Saturday, and it came with an assured air of confidence.

I am, of course, talking about Danny Rowe. His inclusion in Wanderers’ starting XI in the 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth had brought with it an intrigued raising of the eyebrow.

For Rowe is a player who has featured fleetingly throughput the campaign – partly due to injury and a loan spell at Barrow – but has nonetheless been described as an important player in manager Gareth Ainsworth’s plans.

On the evidence of his showing at Fratton Park, Ainsworth’s faith is justified as the 20-year-old completed a highly component 90 minutes to draw praise from his manager.

“People have asked is Danny Rowe ready to come in and he hasn’t been. He has come back after doing well on loan and has had an injury disrupted season,” Ainsworth explained.

“If he plays like that every week my mind is made up to get him in the team to play in central midfield which is what I have signed him to do.

“I thought he was exceptional today, he controlled the game and got the ball down well.”

Ainsworth’s praise was well warranted. Rowe spent his first start since December’s win over Oxford economically distributing passes from deep in the Wanderers’ midfield and breaking up play when needed.

Rowe has been a victim of his own adaptability at times this season as he has shifted from midfield to centre-back, but he now wants to cement a place in his preferred midfield role.

“I really enjoyed playing and it has been frustrating sitting in the stands after doing well at the start of the season. Getting 90 minutes under my belt was great,” Rowe said.

“I want to go away in the summer, work really hard and push for the first team, so I can grab a spot in centre-mid. I just want to put a lot of ideas in the manager’s head.

“I am happy to play anywhere, but I want to be a midfielder and nail down that position. I just want to enjoy my football and play as much as I can.”

The downside to Rowe’s performance was an injury which saw him leave the South coast with his right wrist in a protective brace.

Having suffered the injury after an awkward fall early in the second half, Rowe played through the pain such was his enjoyment of the game.

His fitness will be assessed throughout the week and all things being well, he should be in the running for a continued stint in the first XI.

The continued absences of Sam Wood, Luke O’Nien and Matt Bloomfield also enhance Rowe’s chances of playing as Stephen McGinn and Marcus Bean are the clubs only other fit central midfielders.

If, however, Rowe’s wrist complaint does prove to be severe, he can rest easy in the knowledge Ainsworth wants him to be ready to play an important role from the outset next season.

“We will get him x-rayed and see where we are, but there will be no risk taking with Danny and I am glad it [the potential injury] has come at the end of the season rather than the start,” Ainsworth said.

“I want Danny Rowe to be fit and ready for the start of next season because if he plays like he did today we will have some healthy competition in the middle of the park.”