Jackett: Portsmouth recruit is a proven Championship-level finisher

KENNY JACKETT welcomed the addition of a poacher to his ranks.
Joe Mason has done it in the Championshiop. Picture: PAJoe Mason has done it in the Championshiop. Picture: PA
Joe Mason has done it in the Championshiop. Picture: PA

The Pompey boss believes Joe Mason will bring '˜quality finishing' to his squad following his loan arrival at Fratton Park.

And Jackett also feels the 27-year-old helps to bring the right plenty of attributes to his striking options.

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Mason is line for a Blues debut against Gillingham in the Checkatrade Trophy tonight at Fratton Park.

Joe Mason has done it in the Championshiop. Picture: PAJoe Mason has done it in the Championshiop. Picture: PA
Joe Mason has done it in the Championshiop. Picture: PA

The former Cardiff man was taken to Wolves by Jackett for £3m in 2016.

But he's found playing time hard to come by through the club's rise to the Premier League, with stints on loan at Burton Albion and Colorado Rapids following.

Despite operating in the Championship for seven years before his brint MLS stint, Mason has now taken the decision to drop down to League One with Pompey.

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And Jackett knows that means he's adding finishing quality to his options.

Joe Mason. Picture: Portsmouth FCJoe Mason. Picture: Portsmouth FC
Joe Mason. Picture: Portsmouth FC

He said: '˜Mason's a good player and we're pleased with the addition.

'˜He's a quality finisher and a quality footballer.

'˜He's someone who's played his football in the Championship - and scored goals in the Championship.

'˜The acceleration of Wolves' squad means they've gone past him.

'˜He's had one or two loans where he hasn't done bad.

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'˜He's ended up in a situation where dropping down to League One is something he's needed to consider.

'˜I'm pleased to bring him in as someone who knows him. I think he can bring a lot of quality to the club.'

Jackett now has three out-and-out strikers to call on following Mason's arrival.

He will be vying with Brett Pitman and Oli Hawkins for a place in Pompey's front line.

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Jackett feels there is a decent blend of attributes between the front men he can use.

And the Pompey boss reckons his threat in the box and down the channels will give him a decent range of options, along with Hawkins strength and power as well as Pitman's eye for goal.

Jackett added: '˜He brings a complement as well.

'˜He's not particularly a physical player. We've got plenty of those.

'˜But his quality will be there with his finishing.'

'˜We hope so (we've got right blend of attacking attributes).

'˜Then it's using the right person at the right time over the next eight or nine months of the season.'