Boss pinpoints key difference Ellis Harrison has made to Portsmouth's promotion hopes

Kenny Jackett believes the striker’s mobility has added another dimension to the Blues’ attacking play this term.

The 25-year-old is thriving under Jackett and is currently on a run of 11 league starts on the bounce.

The summer arrival from Ipswich has been key to Pompey’s upturn in form with his side suffering just two losses in 20 games.

Harrison has provided a physical presence in Jackett’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation and often take a battering off opposing defences.

But the Pompey boss feels it’s his ability to stretch opponents with his hard running which has provided a new element to his team’s attacking play.

And Jackett is confident Harrison’s best years as a forward still lie ahead of him.

Jackett said: ‘The number nine position is key.

‘John Marquis is the one in goalscoring form at the moment.

‘Ellis is an unselfish player who brings pace and power. He does unsettle people.

‘They are good options and I can play both, which is something I’ve used but at times I’ve lost out in midfield. Bolton was the case early in the game before the changes.

‘But Ellis is a good option. A wholehearted player.

‘What I do like about, no disrespect to anyone playing last year, is he does bring some pace down the sides which helps us and releases our game a little bit.

‘It’s part of the role. He does relish the physical side of it.

‘He’s a handful and is in his mid twenties. He has his best years to come now as a centre forward.’

Harrison has bagged nine goals this term and showed his aerial prowess in doing so.

Jackett believes that something Pompey have to utilise from set-pieces.

He added: ‘He has good heading ability and is a welcome addition in terms of his pace over the top.

‘Again, you need crosses to get the best out of Ellis.

‘Set-pieces is a big one because he can get the first touch on them.’

‘He’s a good all-round centre forward.’