Wigley: Dennis' Portsmouth goal will do him world of good

Jake Wigley believes Louis Dennis' reserve run-out will have done him '˜the world of good' as the forward seeks a first-team breakthrough.
Louis Dennis scored against Reading reserves this afternoonLouis Dennis scored against Reading reserves this afternoon
Louis Dennis scored against Reading reserves this afternoon

The Blues drew 1-1 with their Reading counterparts this afternoon at the Royals' training complex.

Dennis, operating in the number 10 role, had given the visitors a 21st-minute lead, only to be cancelled out by substitute Gabriel Osho's second-half penalty.

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Nonetheless, there were a number of encouraging displays in front of watching Pompey boss Kenny Jackett.

And coach Wigley was impressed with the summer signing who has yet to make his first-team debut.

He told The News: '˜Louis took his goal very well and it will do him the world of good.

'˜He is a confident boy, but goals always help forward-thinking players, no doubt about that.

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'˜It was a good forward run from him, getting in behind the back line, took it down on his left foot and then shot right-footed across the keeper. It was a very good finish.

'˜He's getting that work-rate into his game off the football, which we have been looking at, and is another one with an excellent touch. He can bring others into the game and drive at defenders.

'˜Louis still works hard day in, day out and we have been working him off the football, which he is getting a lot better at.

'˜There are not at lot like him in our first-team squad who can get on the ball and drive at defenders, he is very comfortable in possession.

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'˜I am sure if he keeps working hard day in, day out in training he will get his chance in the first team. 

'˜The manager came to watch the full 90 minutes '“ and the boys wouldn't have done themselves any harm at all.'

Dennis joined Joe Mason, Danny Rose, Luke McGee, Adam May and Brandon Haunstrup in the reserve fixture.

There was also 59 minutes for Dion Donohue, as he continues his comeback from injury and illness.

And Wigley was happy with the 1-1 outcome.

 He added: '˜The overall performance was pleasing.

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'˜In the first half we played well, had a lot of attacking football, got a couple of chances and took the lead.

'˜Then in the second half, we had to defend a little bit more, they made six or seven changes, which brought quite a lot of fresh legs on, but we stayed narrow and stayed compact.

'˜We created a few good chances in the second half as well and could have maybe nicked it at the end, but probably the draw was a fair result.'