The Portsmouth lucky omen giving Kenny Jackett something to think about after latest winning contribution
Of Pompey’s three League One triumphs during a stuttering opening to the season, the Australian winger lined up in two of them.
In total, Williams’ four starts in all competitions have yielded three victories, offering a compelling argument as he bids to vacate bench duty.
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Hide AdWilliams’ clever backheel created John Marquis’ opener and his overall performance was of a highest calibre.
And Pompey’s boss recognises the key contributions of the former Fulham man.
Jackett said: ‘Ryan brings a lot to the team and I was pleased with him at Gillingham. He was part of a winning performance and put in a really good shift with the side.
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Hide Ad‘Like everybody he wants to play – and all of the time. Similarly, some of our best performances have been letting Marcus go through the middle and Ryan on the right giving us that balance.
‘He had a very good game down the right-hand side at Gillingham and even won some vital headers in our box as well.
‘I know that’s not necessarily what he is in there for, but he’s surprisingly good in the air.
‘He’s not been frozen out, we will need everybody throughout the next couple of months, we want to try to get a good rhythm between now and Christmas. Keeping people fit, using the depth of the squad and competition.
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Hide Ad‘I felt the balance of the side was right. The next one might be different, but in this particular game I did think 4-4-2 was the right thing – Michael (Jacobs) and Ryan are both experienced in that system in wide areas.
‘We will see if he stays there. He’s an experienced player, a committed player, and did very well both offensively and defensively.’
Marcus Harness also claimed an assist, with a smart diagonal pass to set Michael Jacobs on his way to his maiden Blues goal.
Jacobs operated on the left flank, with Harness pushed up alongside Marquis to form a two-pronged attack.
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Hide AdThe 4-4-2 was also employed to good effect in the 4-2 victory at Burton – a match Williams also started.
And it is impacting favourably on Harness’ game.
Jackett added: ‘With Marcus, I do think there’s a lot of quality through that middle, he just looks a bit freer than the right-hand side.
‘Goals and assists are big things in a team, if we can get him into the right areas he can be a key for us.
‘Players that can score goals are priceless.’
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