Pompey boss urges his '˜Championship' talent to create

As an athlete, Kenny Jackett regards Jamal Lowe as one blessed with '˜Championship' credentials.
Jamal Lowe is held in high esteem by Blues boss Kenny JackettJamal Lowe is held in high esteem by Blues boss Kenny Jackett
Jamal Lowe is held in high esteem by Blues boss Kenny Jackett

Now Pompey’s boss is seeking for the winger to add more effectiveness to his attacking powers.

The Blues’ promotion conqueror has continued to play an important role following the summer changing of the manager.

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In fact, other than a three-match suspension, Lowe has featured in every one of Jackett’s matches in charge.

As a winger, his all-round game has clearly developed, adding an improved defensive intuition to his armoury.

But at the other end of the pitch, there have been no goals since mid-September and there’s a necessity for increased assists.

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And while Jackett holds Lowe in high esteem, he acknowledges attacking improvements are still required.

He said: ‘Early season Jamal got quite a number of goals, but hasn’t quite been the goal threat in the last 6-8 games.

‘There was one cleared off the line at Luton, but he hasn’t quite got the strikes, hasn’t had the chances, shots and necessary goal threat.

‘However, in his first full campaign after last season making some cameo appearances and his debut, he has been a threat for us and a good player so far.

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‘Jamal has the physical attributes and power to get up and down, and I do feel in there is a Championship athlete, definitely.

‘We have worked on every aspect of his game, crossing, finishing and the right time to come off the line and bring the right-back into play. Sometimes it’s easy to double up on a player staying wide, therefore stopping the ball getting to him.

‘It’s a tough one for a winger sometimes. You can put in a lot of effort or yards without necessarily getting the ball, so you’re reliant on service and being able to get into it, I do understand that.

‘He’s young, he’s new and whatever age the player is you want them to show improvement through working at both their strengths and weaknesses.

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‘Jamal has played every single game he has been available for and shown good improvement. We have left him in, we have left Ben Close in, we have left Luke McGee in, we want them to aspire and improve.’

Lowe lined up on the left-hand side of the attacking three against Plymouth – an unfamiliar role in Pompey’s team.

However, Jackett sees the importance of getting the 23-year-old into his side and continues to be an admirer of his abilities.

The manager added: ‘Jamal has to get back being a goal threat.

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‘You need goals and assists from the front four players as much as possible, while working for the team has to be a given for every single player.

‘Jamal is very good, he works very hard, has a very good attitude and I do see someone with Championship potential athletically and fitness-wise.

‘The rest of his game, whether defending, attacking or whatever can be talked about, but really they are all there in the creation and scoring of goals.’