Portsmouth striker John Marquis sent confident message after Crewe penalty miss ahead of MK Dons clash

John Marquis dejected after Pompey's draw with Crewe. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com

Tom Naylor is confident the Pompey striker can hit the goal trail at Stadium MK this tomorrow afternoon (12.30pm).

Marquis endured a difficult evening in Tuesday night's goalless draw at Gresty Road, squandering two glorious chances in the second half.

The ex-Millwall man had a meek penalty saved by Will Jaaskelainen in the 59th minute, while he also tamely headed into the home keeper's arms when left unmarked in the six-yard box just moments earlier.

It represented an evening to forget for Marquis, who was returning to the side following a three-match suspension and had been a doubt with an ankle issue in the build-up.

With Ellis Harrison injured for the rest of the season with a knee problem and Jordy Hiwula sidelined due to an ankle setback, Marquis is the only senior striker Pompey have fit.

And having netted 16 goals this term, Naylor's confident the £1m signing from Doncaster will snaffle home his next chance.

The Blues skipper said: ‘John was disappointed and frustrated but we all miss them.

‘He has got character and he will go again. If he takes the next penalty then I am sure he will score.

‘I'm sure he will score the next opportunity that he gets – even if it is from open play.’

Marquis was handed his marching orders in a 2-1 win at Shrewsbury last month for serious foul play following a tackle on Harry Chapman.

As a result, Ronan Curtis was forced to operate as a makeshift centre-forward for three matches.

However, Marquis provided Pompey with more of a focal point at Crewe, which they lacked in his absence.

Naylor added: ‘Credit to Ronan, he had played up there for the past two or three games and did well, played well.

‘Obviously, Jono is a natural number nine. He pivots, gets around the centre-halves and makes good angles for us.

‘As a number nine, he is good for us up there. We just need to keep feeding the ball wide, keeping feeding it to Jono's feet, others' feet, Ronan's feet and it will get us wins.’

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