John Marquis' joy at finally having Portsmouth striking company after Sunderland triumph

Well no more, it seems – and he’s mightily delighted to finally have company.

The 28-year-old was recalled to the Blues side at Gillingham on Tuesday night following injury to close friend and team-mate Ellis Harrison.

In the process, he was able to join forces with fledgling striker Marcus Harness after his recent conversion.

The outcome has been three goals in two games for Marquis, including netting twice in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Sunderland.

For Pompey, it’s the restoration of a two-pronged attack – and suddenly the pre-Fratton Park Marquis appears to have emerged.

He told The News: ‘Marcus has done very well and it’s nice to have someone closer to you.

‘It’s helped me a little bit and I think being out of the team has helped me as well, it has given me charge to recharge and refocus and do what I do.

‘I must keep pushing, keep improving and obviously have worked hard to get back into the team at Gillingham with Ellis out injured.

‘I knew I would be ready – and in the last few games I have done okay,

‘Possibly my confidence was affected before, I’m a striker who wants to score goals, that is what you are judged on.

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‘All strikers need service. That’s not me pushing blame onto the others by saying “I need service”, but I’m a box player and that’s where I thrive.

‘I think I have shown that in games over a number of years.’

Marquis has taken his season’s tally to five goals – one behind leading scorer Harness.

With Harrison set to be absent for up to three weeks with a torn hamstring, his deputy can expect a run in Kenny Jackett’s side for the time being.

Certainly Marquis hasn’t done his chances any harm following impressive displays like Sunderland.

He added: ‘This was always going to be a tough week – and it obviously didn’t start the way we wanted against Doncaster.

“But we responded well against Gillingham and followed that up against Sunderland.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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