Portsmouth boss' demand of Marcus Harness as he faces battle to start with Ryan Williams

Marcus Harness has been told to up his goal return as he battles to start with Ryan Williams.
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But Kenny Jackett admitted the attacking player’s crossing ability is a big asset up against the energy levels Williams brings to the table.

Who starts in attacking areas is one of the big debates ahead of struggling Swindon Town’s visit tomorrow.

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Jackett made one change to his starting XI against Plymouth on Saturday, with Harness preferred to Williams after the 3-1 success at Charlton.

Ronan Curtis looks set to start in place of the injured Michael Jacobs, and the Pompey boss has to decide whether to continue with two out-and-out strikers in Ellis Harrison and John Marquis.

If he does, that will put Williams and Harness in a head to head for who operates down the right flank.

The £1m signing from Burton Albion has eight goals to his name this season, but has not scored in 12 games now going into tomorrow’s game.

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That’s something Jackett wants to see change from the 24-year-old moving forward.

Marcus Harness, left, and Ryan WilliamsMarcus Harness, left, and Ryan Williams
Marcus Harness, left, and Ryan Williams

He said: ‘It’s close between Ryan Williams and Marcus.

‘Ryan has played off the front for quite a bit.

‘I decided against Charlton to go with Harrison and Marquis, let’s say two natural forwards.

‘It was the right thing with Ryan Williams then in a wide area.

‘I did put Marcus on after 51 minutes and then there was eight minutes of injury time, so they ended up with about half a game each.

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‘It’s a close one between the two. They’ve got different strengths.

‘For Marcus, his crossing ability is very good, but he’s due a goal or two.

‘In terms of providing good crosses, I do think we miss him when he doesn’t play.

‘There’s good choices there and there will be days when Ryan plays off the front man and we need his energy as well, definitely.’

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The battle to start in attacking areas is an indication of the options Jackett now has when it comes to changing up his team.

And he also underlined how he feels he also has players who can impact the game off the bench, as Ronan Curtis showed with his match-changing introduction against Plymouth.

Jackett added: ‘We hope so and we want that to continue off the bench.

‘That, as we’ve seen with Ronan, can make a big difference.’

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