Pitman's striking promise to Portsmouth fans

The striker believes he's the man to offer the all-round game Kenny Jackett is demanding, after firing his side back to the League One summit.

Pitman scored one goal and created another on his 50th appearance as the Blues came from behind to pick up a 3-1 win at Rochdale on Saturday. 

That made it four strikes in as many games for the 30-year-old on his return to the starting line-up, as he was handed just his second full league outing of the season.

Pitman's predatory finishing was again evident as he grabbed his 29th Pompey goal and brought up his half-century of appearances.

But Jackett has stated he wants to see more from his skipper's game in other areas, as he vies with Oli Hawkins and Joe Mason for playing time.

Pitman believes the evidence is clear he's more than capable of being a focal point in attack.

He said: '˜I don't think you play nearly 500 games in the Championship and League One mainly if you can't do it (play an all-round striker's game). I obviously can do it.

'˜Maybe I've had to put a little bit more emphasis on that to get back in the team.

'˜I've done that and if I play I have to do it again and on the following Saturday.

'˜I have to because we have good competition for places in the squad.

'˜You have to play well to keep your space in the side.

'˜Oli has been doing well. He and I are different players. We bring different things to the team.

'˜I don't think you can compare me and Oli Hawkins. 

'˜We play in the same position but we play it differently.

'˜He's been doing well while the team have been doing well and I've had to wait my turn.

'˜Luckily I've got a start, though, and I've scored one and made one. So I'm pleased.'

Pitman told how he's had to be patient after having to wait eight weeks for his second league start of the campaign. 

But, after Pompey's flying start to the season, he knows he could have few complaints being behind Hawkins in the pecking order. 

'˜I want to start games and I haven't,' Pitman added.

'˜But the team have been doing well, so you have to bide your time really.

'˜Oli's been doing well, so it's nice to get a goal.

'˜The manager knows I want to play, but we've got 20 players here who want to play. Everyone wants to play.

'˜He can on pick 11 and put three subs on if he chooses.

'˜So you have to bide your time and you have to be patient.

'˜You have to take your opportunity when you get off the bench and then hopefully that will earn you a start. On Saturday it did, for me.'

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