Former Doncaster striker John Marquis admits Portsmouth fans are still to see best of him
John Marquis feels he still has plenty to prove when Pompey take on Oxford in the League One play-offs.
By his own admission, the striker has not set the world alight since arriving at Fratton Park for an undisclosed fee from Doncaster last summer.
Marquis has netted 14 goals in 46 appearances to top the Blues’ scoring charts, with nine of those coming since the turn of the year.
He’s unhappy with the consistency he’s shown, though, in his first permanent season on the south coast.
But he’s determined to continue that improved 2020 form in front of goal and end the season with a bang by helping Kenny Jackett’s side return to the Championship.
The 28-year-old front man told the PA news agency. ‘It would be massive (to get promoted).
‘My aim when I signed for Portsmouth was to get promoted and if I can do that in my first season it would be fantastic.
‘I know I have a lot more to give personally in terms of performances and goals. There's still a lot more to come from me.
‘The fans have not seen the best of me on a consistent basis.
‘It could have gone better this season, but it could have gone a lot worse. It's been steady with lots of room for improvement.
‘So I'm hoping to put in better performances and get the goals in the play-offs that will hopefully send us up.’
Marquis has twice won promotion from League Two – with Northampton in 2016 and then Doncaster Rovers the following season.
His last kick of a ball for Donny was in their League One play-off semi-final against Charlton last season - a game the Addicks won on penalties.
His spot-kick was saved in the shootout after he had earlier scored in extra-time.
The forward said that experience wouldn’t put him off stepping up for the Blues from the penalty spot if needed this play-off campaign.
‘If it was to go to a penalty shootout this time I'd be the first one to put my hand up and take one,’ he said.
‘You learn from the experiences you come across and you just have to embrace the moments.
‘Any play-off is a roller-coaster. We've worked so hard for them this season and form goes out of the window, especially in the situation we're in now where teams haven't played for a while.
‘But if we play to our full capabilities we'll give ourselves a fantastic opportunity and it will be up there with some of the best memories of my career so far if we can do it.’