Portsmouth boss’ plan to get Colby Bishop firing again ahead of Sheffield United as barren run continues
He Pompey’s top scorer for the past three seasons but is now 13 games without a Championship goal. John Mousinho explains how the Blues are planning to get Colby Bishop firing in front of goal again.
John Mousinho handed Colby Bishop a Pompey vote of confidence as his goalless run continues.
And the Blues boss has explained how his side are working on renewing his striker’s threat in goal, as they prepare to take on Sheffield United.
Mousinho’s backing for Bishop amid Championship goal drought
The skipper’s run without a finish is now into its 13th game, as Bishop failed to find a goal to cap a strong all-round performance against Millwall on Saturday.
Mousinho stated he was pleased with the 29-year-old’s contribution to a big win, but knows his number nine will be hungry to hit the back of the net with just a single goal to his name this term.
Despite that, the Pompey boss insisted he’s more than satisfied with the £500,000 signing’s contribution to his side’s performances.
Mousinho said: ‘If you are looking at Colby in terms of his strengths I thought he offered a lot of them at the weekend.
‘He gave two very physical centre-halves a tough time. Taylor and Crama are both 6ft 4in-plus, good in the air and extremely physical. I rate both of them very highly, but he gave them a tough afternoon.
‘I rate Colby very highly and what he’s done at the football club. I thought his hold-up play was good and his general demeanour work-rate and the way he led the press, it was a pretty complete performance apart from putting the ball in the back of the net. Having said that, I don’t think Colby missed any chances.’
Mousinho explained Pompey are putting plenty of focus on getting Bishop firing again, with the head coach confident the pace returning to his attacking options will be a useful tool in doing so.
Adrian Segecic and Callum Lang were both back in the fray after being sidelined, while Josh Murphy firing on all cylinders again after having his own spell in the treatment room. That can aid in getting runners beyond, with Pompey also looking at getting the supply for their top scorer from the past three seasons to thrive on.
Renewed pace in side can aid Bishop for Pompey
Mousinho added: ‘It’s something we’re working on, we’re trying to create play and get runners around Colby.
‘First, I’m sure the goal will come but in the meantime it doesn’t matter too much.
‘We always look for our centre-forward to score if we get the ball wide and cross it, ut there are other methods and ways to score - we showed that at the weekend.
‘It’s the first time we’ve scored three goals in the game, so we’ve increased the attacking output. We’ve looked likely to score in other games, but we put it all together at the weekend - creating chances is something we’re going to try to do.’