Opinion: Opportunity to sign Dunfermline man targeted by Hibs passed up by Portsmouth - but a striker should still be coveted

The opportunity to sign Kevin Nisbet has been passed up, with Kenny Jackett admitting he’s happy with his forward options.
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If we’re looking at Ryan Williams, Marcus Harness, Ellis Harrison, Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, John Marquis and Ronan Curtis - there’s six forwards there for our front three positions,’ the Pompey boss said.

‘All of them are under contract for the next year, so it’s not an area we’re necessarily looking at now.’

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Assessing the Blues’ squad, however, it’s hard to see why they wouldn't target a fresh striking recruit this summer.

While his contract has been extended for the League One play-offs, he’ll depart immediately afterwards with a record of 43 goals from 99 appearances.

Oli Hawkins remains an intriguing one as.

His height is an attribute like no other in the Blues’ squad. Meanwhile, he remain’s a decent option from the bench.

Pompey passed up the chance to sign Kevin Nisbet. Picture: Christian Cooksey/Getty ImagesPompey passed up the chance to sign Kevin Nisbet. Picture: Christian Cooksey/Getty Images
Pompey passed up the chance to sign Kevin Nisbet. Picture: Christian Cooksey/Getty Images
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But should Pompey be promoted, it’ll shorten the chances of him being offered fresh Fratton Park terms.

Even if it’s a fourth season in League One, Hawkins may want to seek regular football elsewhere after just 12 outings in what’s been a stuttering term for him.

That will leave just Ellis Harrison and John Marquis, who’ve alternated the number-nine role throughout the campaign, as Jackett’s striking options.

Given they were both handed three-year deals when arriving from Ipswich and Doncaster respectively last summer, they’ll remain at the forefront of Pompey's plans for the 2020-21 season.

Ellis Harrison and John Marquis will be the only senior strikers under contract at Pompey next season. Picture: Joe PeplerEllis Harrison and John Marquis will be the only senior strikers under contract at Pompey next season. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ellis Harrison and John Marquis will be the only senior strikers under contract at Pompey next season. Picture: Joe Pepler
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After a goal return of 14 for Marquis and 10 for Harrison, both will be looking to build on their tallies after decent maiden seasons on the south coast.

Yet the lack of attacking cover behind the duo would be somewhat concerning – especially if it were in the Championship.

There’d be a dearth of options Jackett could turn to if both were unavailable.

The player you’d suspect would be next in line is winger Reeco Hackett-Fairchild.

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In reserve games against Plymouth and Exeter this term, he spearheaded the attack.

Adapting a player’s role isn’t something Jackett’s been adverse to during his time in the hot seat.

Ross McCrorie’s now regarded as a right-back despite arriving from Rangers as a promising holding midfielder.

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Haji Mnoga was a central defender before he was pushed out wide for the academy.

Meanwhile, Dan Smith was transformed into a striker from the engine room in the youth ranks.

Hackett-Fairchild is a player who is well regarded after netting eight goals in 25 games for Bromley during the first half of the season.

But to ask the ex-Charlton man to head Pompey’s attack would be a substantial ask – more so in the second tier.

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Another alternative if Pompey were without Harrison or Marquis would be deploying Curtis at the sharp end of Jackett’s front line.

When the Irishman arrived at Fratton Park from Derry City in June 2018 he indeed regarded himself as a natural striker.

The positions he gets himself into, particularly getting across markers from the left flank when crosses come in from the opposite side, demonstrates his innate ability to find dangerous positions.

A large chunk of his 25 goals at PO4 have arrived this way.

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However, removing Curtis from the left would withdraw the Blues’ most potent attacking threat where so many goalscoring opportunities are conjured up.

Continuity will be key should Jackett’s troops go up via the play-offs and that means keeping the Republic of Ireland international out wide.

Pompey also have third-year scholar Alfie Stanley on their books, but a loan spell in non-league looks likely given his lack of experience.

Jackett’s said forward players are not what the Blues are currently concentrating on while plotting his recruitment for next term.

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The caveat is that the ramifications of the coronavirus crisis means clubs look likely to operate with smaller squads – which the manager may be bracing himself for.

But if there are areas that need more depth, then he should look no further than his striking department.

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