Portsmouth boss responds to conspiracy theories over ex-Doncaster Rovers and Millwall striker's injury absence
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The Blues boss has laughed off the notion the striker’s injury issue is a cover story after his recent spell out of contention.
Marquis has missed the past two games, although Cowley has declined to go into detail on the reasons for that.
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Hide AdThe 43-year-old has gone as far to say the injury is tendon related and ‘short term’, although a scan has proved inconclusive.
Some supporters have searched for alternative explanations, however, suggesting everything from a fallout between player and manager, to Marquis being taken out of the firing line after struggling for form in front of goal.
Cowley highlighted he’s not in a position to ignore fit senior players for selection at present, after naming academy players as subs at Wycombe last weekend.
He said: ‘If John was fit, bearing in mind we had three academy boys on the bench on Saturday, I think he would’ve been in the 18, for sure!
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Hide Ad‘John has been our go-to forward for the first part of the season anyway.
‘I don’t know where that one has come from (the rumour of Marquis being left out to protect him after a drop in form), but there’s definitely no truth in it.
‘We’re not in a position where we can be that protective over our players.
‘I promise you now if John was fit he’d be playing - he’d certainly be in the squad.’
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Hide AdGeorge Hirst has added another dimension to Pompey’s attacking play in Marquis’ recent absence, bagging a goal, offering a physical presence and showing some decent hold-up and link play.
Marquis has been the preferred option for much of the season, however, and, despite struggling for a regular supply of goals, Cowley thinks his input shouldn’t be underestimated.
He added: ‘I think John has worked really hard for the team.
‘He’s been selfless in his efforts.
‘His pressing against the ball is an outstanding quality.
‘It allows us to play with a real high energy at the top end of the pitch, get many turnovers and defend early - which is what we like to do.
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Hide Ad‘We’re always working with John with his hold-up and link play.
‘But we also know John carries goal threat - he has done his whole career.’
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