Portsmouth's 'big player' Andy Cannon has been laid down a challenge by Kenny Jackett

Now the midfielder has been challenged to add more goals to his influential game after netting his second in two years at Fratton Park.

Cannon rattled in a stunning final goal from the edge of the box during the Blues’ impressive 3-1 triumph at Charlton on Tuesday night.

It represented only his second in 59 appearances since joining from Rochdale in January 2019.

This term the 24-year-old has finally established himself as a regular starter for Jackett, thriving in a central-midfield role alongside Tom Naylor.

Charlton was another outstanding performance from Cannon – but his manager believes there are plenty more goals in him.

Jackett told The News: ‘Andy is a big player for us.

‘I do think he has previously got up to the edge of the box and into good situations without necessarily threatening to score - and that’s something he can add to his game.

‘Are we pleased with his game without the goals? Yes we are. But it’s great to see him strike that one in.

‘Andy has been frustrated with the opportunities and chances that he’s had and not hitting the target, but he did well there, running onto the edge of the box, stepping up sharply and hitting it in off the post.

‘It will give him a lot of confidence in terms of putting the ball into the net because he is capable of it.

‘He's had a really good season in the centre of midfield, but definitely gets into good shooting positions, he has the ability to do that.’

Cannon’s career record demonstrates he has never been a regular scorer, with nine goals in almost 200 appearances.

But Jackett is keen to stress the midfielder’s role is not reliant on his goal output.

He added: ‘Andy brings a lot to our team, he has all season. If he can add goals great, that would be the finishing touch.

‘He and Tom have been excellent for us this season, I’m pleased with what they produce.

‘We have talked about his goal return a little bit, but generally his form has been good.

‘He is getting up and around the edge of the box sometimes and not quite producing the strike that the position has deserved.’

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