Ellis Harrison: Unbelievable Marcus Harness is key to Portsmouth returning to Championship

That’s the verdict of Ellis Harrison, who is convinced the talented forward is destined to make the step up next season – with or without the Blues.

The two have formed an unlikely strikeforce in the last two League One fixtures, coinciding with Kenny Jackett’s men collecting their first league wins of the campaign.

Harness had previously served Pompey across the attacking three in Jackett’s favoured 4-2-3-1 system, although primarily on the right.

Yet the Blues boss has now implemented a 4-4-2 formation, with Harness operating around the recalled Harrison.

And Harrison is adamant his ‘unbelievable’ team-mate possesses the inspiration to drive Pompey to promotion.

He told The News: ‘I run, Marcus can do what he wants. That’s how I see our roles, he’s unbelievable.

‘If I play my game and take away half of the defenders, he then has the license to go and do what he wants.

‘Look a Burton. That’s a masterclass, that’s not a fluke. He scored three unbelievable goals and that’s what he’s in the team to do.

‘He floats, he’s that good. If he’s confident, he’s the person that’s going to get us into the Championship. That’s not me bigging him up, that’s the truth of it.

‘I know you can’t play well in every game, but if he is confident and performing for 46 matches then we will be up by about 20 points because he is that good.

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‘We had Billy Bodin at Bristol Rovers, who had a similar role to Marcus. Not a free role, but if you want to go and do something then do it.

‘They go and win you games, they’re match winners. If it’s 0-0 for 90 minutes, they’ll do some magic and will put the ball into the top corner.

‘We are lucky enough to have Marcus, who can do that.

‘He’s got everything, maybe his heading needs to improve, but you don’t want him to be winning flick-ons. We signed him to do what he does.

‘If he went higher next year, it wouldn't surprise me at all.’

Harness has scored 14 times in 45 appearances since arriving at Fratton Park in July 2019 for an undisclosed fee.

Harrison arrived on the south coast four weeks earlier – and he’s watched the former Pirelli Stadium programme seller blossom.

He added: ‘Marcus has got stronger and more confident. He’s a confidence player and if he’s not, then we’ve got to be there to help him.

‘If he gives the ball away five times I don’t care, the manager doesn’t care, the sixth time the ball will be in the back of the net.

‘No disrespect to Burton, but he is probably playing with better players now so he can add those goals to his game.

‘And he is most likely getting more chances with every appearance.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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