Kenny Jackett gives bullish verdict on his Portsmouth squad compared to 2018-19 season

The Blues boss is adamant his side can once again challenge for promotion after finally picking up their maiden League One win of the season at Burton Albion on Saturday.

Pompey delivered a thoroughly-deserved 4-2 win against the Brewers to move out of the relegation zone up to 11th spot.

Amid a poor start and calls for Jackett's head from fans, the Blues fully convinced at the Pirelli Stadium.

Marcus Harness plundered a superb hat-trick, while Jack Whatmough also scored his second goal for the club.

Some supporters have questioned the strength of Pompey's set-up on a whole.

Comparisons to the 2018-19 season – when the likes of Matt Clarke and Jamal Lowe were at PO4 – have been made and whether there has been progress on the pitch.

But Jackett believes the outfit he's constructed is more impressive than his three previous campaigns in the driving seat.

He said: ‘We have got a talented group, potentially the most talented group I've had in my three years here.

‘I think there is a lot of potential in the group.

‘Realising that potential is a big thing, but there is a lot of talent and ability in our side.

‘There's a little bit of everything. We have a lot of players who are on their way up and are able to take the club forward.

‘There's a bit more depth to it as well.’

Pompey were a potent attacking force in their win at Burton and could have scored more than four goals.

The blot on the copybook was conceding twice, though, especially when in control of the game.

Jackett admitted it ‘clouded’ the Blues' first-half performance and knows defensive improvements are still required.

Still, the boss was impressed how his troops didn't let their heads drop and earned three points.

He added: ‘These things happen. We have to make sure we don't give poor goals away because it did cloud quite a good performance in the first half.

‘We played some good stuff and created a lot of chances.

‘Ryan (Williams) missed one in the first half but these things happen, you can't score every chance.

‘It doesn't excuse giving poor goals away but in the second half, we nailed it better and gave us the platform to go forward.

‘I'm pleased for the players, though, and in terms of the league season they'll hopefully be building on this confidence.’

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