Why Kenny Jackett is encouraged by new-look Portsmouth strikeforce still in its infancy

However, he has challenged their Blues team-mates to cement the duo’s goal potential.

Ronan Curtis and Ellis Harrison have forged a two-pronged attack in Pompey’s last two matches as Jackett attempts to introduce greater potency to his side.

The necessity to reinvigorate his flagging team has prompted Curtis to be switched from the left wing and leading scorer John Marquis dropped.

So far the pair have yet to score, nonetheless have been part of a side which has taken four points from their last two matches.

And Jackett is encouraged by the early signs of his latest strike partnership which could remain intact at Doncaster tonight.

He told The News: ‘They were a handful against Oxford and certainly helped us towards a very good victory.

‘Ellis’ hold-up play is good in terms of giving you an outlet, and the one thing I do know with Ronan is he can go on goalscoring runs. If we give him the chance he’s a very good finisher.

‘We will see how that develops. They have caused defences plenty of problems so far in the two games they have been together.

‘But, similarly, there’s always a need to give forwards a service – and the right service. Between them we do think they can do the job.

‘They have been a handful and had chances, opportunities and shots. They have been a real handful for the defences.

‘Ronan is capable of going on runs of goals, we know that, he has done that many times at Pompey. Putting him up front gives him the opportunity to do that if we can create the chances for him.

‘It’s no good feeding off scraps, it works both ways. It’s the forwards doing enough, but similarly us providing them with the opportunities and chances.’

Pompey’s potency has noticeably dipped since the turn of the year.

Marquis (14), Curtis (10) and Marcus Harness (8) are the leading scorers, while Tom Naylor has struck seven times.

Harrison has five to his name – the same amount Sean Raggett has contributed this season.

It’s a frustrating blip which is impacting upon the Blues’ promotion ambition, leaving them in fourth after topping the table at Christmas.

And tonight they head to sixth-placed Doncaster, who yesterday lost manager Darren Moore to Sheffield Wednesday.

Jackett added: ‘In the first half in particular against Gillingham they got some shots in between them.

‘Right after their equaliser, the keeper made an excellent stop from Ronan, while Ellis had a header. They both put in a lot of effort.

‘Between them they want to score and it’s our job to make sure we give them the service to ensure they can convert those chances into goals.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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