The four Portsmouth contenders to answer Danny Cowley's striker crisis in John Marquis' absence

The Blues could be without a natural number nine for upcoming games with Rochdale, Wigan and Burton – a big blow in amid a play-off push.

Danny Cowley was already short in the forward department before last Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Shrewsbury Town.

Ellis Harrison has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Jordy Hiwula’s campaign could be over as he’s suffering with an ankle complaint.

Luckily, John Marquis returned to fitness against the Shrews and scored his 16th goal of the term in the first half.

However, the ex-Doncaster man was given his marching orders when sent off in the 68th minute for serious foul play following a tackle on Harry Chapman.

The Blues are appealing the red card but the jury’s out whether it will be overturned.

As Pompey await news, Cowley will surely be preparing for the worst and planning the Good Friday clash with the Dale without Marquis.

That means the head coach will either have to play a makeshift striker or give a fledgling talent in the Fratton Park ranks a try.

Here’s a look at Cowley’s options and the pros and cons of each.

Ronan Curtis

He's set to fly back to England after the Republic of Ireland's clash with Qatar in Hungary tonight.

Pompey will certainly relish having him back and Curtis could be asked to lead the line.

It was a role he was open to earlier in the season, having considered himself a natural striker when he arrived at Fratton Park in June 2018.

Curtis also played alongside Ellis Harrison in a 1-0 win at Oxford last month and most recently in a narrow defeat to Peterborough.

Having scored 35 times during his time at Fratton Park, Curtis knows how to find the back of the net and his aerial ability is under-rated.

Yet there is a case to be made that the former Derry man is at the peak of his powers when he's on the left-hand side.

On the flip side, Pompey have sufficient cover in Michael Jacobs to retain his role on the flank.

Ryan Williams

Cowley has been enamoured of the Aussie since taking the hot seat.

Williams' work-rate and selflessness mean he's already a key player for Cowley – like he was under Kenny Jackett.

It was the former Rotherham man who switched to the furthest man forward after Marquis' sending off and the Pompey head coach has admitted it's an option against Rochdale.

Williams would lead the press relentlessly if he operated as a centre-forward.

One thing that would be compromised, though, is the goal threat from the main striker.

Williams has scored only three goals in 39 appearances all season, which is significantly fewer than Marquis (16) along with other potential candidates such as Ronan Curtis and Marcus Harness (both 10).

Marcus Harness

It was a role that the former Burton man thrived in earlier in the season - and left fans disappointed he wasn’t deployed there again before Kenny Jackett's departure.

Harness' scintillating hat-trick at Burton was the apogee when he featured in a striking role.

However, after suffering a dip in form and lack of confidence in the final few months of Jackett's tenure, Harness has been rejuvenated since the Cowleys took charge.

The 25-year-old has scored in both games under the new management team and is relishing the new responsibilities he's been given.

He's a natural finisher who'd likely snaffle home any chance that came his way if he played up top.

But given he's recaptured his goalscoring touch from the flank, it'd perhaps be unwise to switch his position so soon.

Alfie Stanley

Of Pompey's options, the former Mayfield School pupil is the only out-and-out striker.

Stanley plundered 26 goals for the academy last season, which earned him third-year scholarship terms at PO4.

This term, though, he's very much been a victim of the coronavirus pandemic.

A lack of non-league football, coupled with the difficulties to organise reserve matches, have meant he's profusely been confined to the training ground.

In total, Stanley’s made two appearances for the Blues in their Papa John's Trophy campaign, scored twice in three games during a short stint at Bognor and played for the reserves in a 2-1 win over Luton earlier this month.

Taking all those things into account, it would be tall order and the wrong time for Stanley to come in and make an impact in a play-off push from the outset.

A place on the bench is likely, however, and the 19-year-old might even be thrown on late if the Blues are chasing a goal.