'Unbelievable' assist as Portsmouth defender backed to get even better

Whatmough replaced Paul Downing in central defence in the Blues' 2-0 win over Colchester in the EFL Trophy last night.

And it was the Gosport lad’s raking pass that set-up Harness’ second goal in the 38th minute – only moments after he’d opened the scoring.

Having made a full recovery from a third serious knee injury of his career, Whatmough is now in line to start Pompey's League One curtain-raiser against Shrewsbury on Saturday.

That's despite being behind Downing in the pecking order throughout the pre-season campaign.

The victory over Colchester was only the second time Harness has played with Whatmough since arriving from Burton last summer.

But the winger has seen the centre-half's quality in training – and knows there’s more to come.

Harness said:‘It was a great ball – unbelievable.

‘You can’t really ask more as a wide man to be put through straight on goal by your centre-half.

‘I’m looking forward to playing more with Jack.

‘I’ve seen how good he is in training, but I haven't seen him at his best yet.

‘I haven’t seen him in games really week in, week out but I am sure that he will be great and I’m looking forward to playing with him more and more.

‘We’ve got a great squad and hopefully can have a good season.’