Joe Mason impresses on Portsmouth run out

The on-loan attacker came through the Blues' reserve draw with Reading on Tuesday with a 90-minute run out.

It was a display operating as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 system which impressed watching first-team coach Jake Wigley.

Also present at the Royals' training ground complex for the 1-1 draw was boss Kenny Jackett.

Mason has yet to appear in League One action for the Blues following his Wolves loan switch, although featured as a substitute in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Yet Wigley was encouraged by the ex-Colorado Rapids performer.

He said: '˜Speaking to Joe, it was his first full 90 minutes for a while.

'˜He played up top by himself. It was a hard role for him but he did well. He worked hard for himself and the team.

'˜Joe created a couple of chances. He probably didn't get any clear-cut chances himself but was very much involved in the attacking side of our game.

'˜He is very, very good on the ball. Technically he is very good and he works the channels to open up the game a little bit.

'˜His touch is excellent bringing people into play and very much the focal point of our attacking football.

'˜You can train as much as you want, day in, day out but it's nothing compared to 90 minutes of football, so it was a vital game for all our players.'

Pompey travel to Peterborough on Saturday.