Portsmouth boss addresses Ellis Harrison's lack of goals as he prepares for Ipswich return

The striker looks set to start on the bench when he faces his former club Ipswich tomorrow (3pm).

The Blues purchased Harrison from the Tractor Boys for around £450,000 in June 2019.

So far this campaign, the Welshman has netted three times in 15 appearances.

However, only one of his efforts has come from open play – which was in the 2-1 defeat to Wigan more than two months ago.

Nevertheless, Pompey have hardly been short of firepower. They’re currenly the top scorers in League One, having struck 28 goals in 16 matches.

Jackett accepts that Harrison would like to be on the scoresheet more frequently.

But getting Pompey’s attacking combinations right, with Harrison a part of that, is the most important thing.

Jackett said: ‘Ellis has been really good. An injury at the start sidelined him for a few games but he's 100 per cent and I do rate him.

‘He is a very good centre-forward. He gives us more than goals and brings a lot.

‘He has a lot of pace and power and is now a very experienced centre-forward.

‘Every forward and everybody would want to score as many goals as they can.

‘But when you put it into context, at the moment we stand right up there in terms of goals scored in the division. Ellis has contributed towards that.

‘Would he like to get more than one goal from open play in 15? Yes, I'm sure he would.

‘You'd want all your forwards to score as many as possible, but it's about the team and we think there is a goal threat in our side with the combinations of forwards.

‘That is the ultimate word - combinations. He's a team player and while he would want to score, will work hard to make the team win as well.’

Harrison has made five starts in the league so far.

He partnered John Marquis up front in the 4-1 defeat of Crewe and the 1-1 draw with Oxford.

And Jackett is adamant they can thrive as a strike duo.

The Pompey boss added: ‘It works when he plays up there with John.

‘There are different combinations needed for different games and different combinations for each stage of the game.

‘There are different stages of even a 90-minute game but I do think it can work with him and John.’