Portsmouth chief discusses possibility of Marcus Harness returning to striker role

And the Blues have weighed up returning the mercurial ex-Burton man to a striking role after his impressive displays at the start of the season.

Harness began the campaign in scintillating form, scoring seven goals in his opening 12 appearances.

However, he's failed to net in the league since October 27, while his only goal in his past 21 games arrived against King’s Lynn in the FA Cup.

To his credit, Harness made a decent impact coming off the bench in Tuesday’s 3-1 loss at Bristol Rovers, seeing a shot strike the post.

Now the 24-year-old has been backed to hit the goal trail once more.

Assistant manager Gallen said: ‘Marcus' first thought in football is to try to assist. He will say he wants to assist then score, while I bet Ronan Curtis says he wants to score then assist.

‘They are slightly different but Marcus Harness is a very capable player.

‘He was unlucky at Bristol Rovers where he hit the post and had one shot that flashed wide.

‘Marcus, as everyone knows, he is a very capable player and has the ability to use both feet, cross balls, create chances and score.

‘Like all forward players, once he gets one goal then he can get on a run because he has a lot of talent – as everyone knows.

‘I've stated he is a talented player and we really need Marcus firing and getting back to his best by creating goals and scoring. I believe he can.’

Harness’ best display of the season came at Burton in October.

Operating as a striker alongside Ellis Harrison, he bagged a superb hat-trick in the 4-2 win.

However, Harness has primarily served as a winger since Pompey’s defeat to Charlton later that month.

Sections of fans would like to see him give another chance in a central role, though, with Harrison and John Marquis currently out of sorts.

And that’s something Kenny Jackett and his backroom staff have discussed.

Gallen added: ‘Marcus is such a natural in any of the forward positions – whether it be on the right, left, in the No10 role or as a striker with a partner – he can do all of it.

‘The ball hitting the back of the net will give him a lot of confidence but he set up a lot of chances at Bristol Rovers and also had a shot where one of their outfield players saved it.

‘Wherever we put him, Marcus can do well. He played as a striker at Burton where he scored a hat-trick then there was the loss to Charlton where we couldn't get him on the ball.

‘We have thought about putting Marcus back up there (as a striker) but our goalscoring rate is pretty good.

‘Finding the right formation on the right day is going to be important.’

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