Portsmouth must start making pressure count

That's the verdict of The News sports writer Will Rooney in the latest edition of Pompey Talk.

The Blues failed to convert a number of chances as they were held to a draw at Acrrington last time out.

Pompey saw their lead at the top of the table cut to two points  '“ but Rooney was quick to stress no drastic change is required ahead of Saturday's trip to struggling Bradford City.

He said: 'It doesn't matter how many clean sheets that you can keep, goals win you games.

'If the players are getting in the right positions and they aren't putting the ball away, somewhere along the line they may have to come out of the firing line.

'But it's only been one game and let's not forget they scored two against Burton Albion, even though they dominated that game as well, and they have got to start making the pressure count at times.

'Kenny Jackett has come out and said it's about the decision making inside the box.

'˜It's about doing the right things, being clinical in front of goal. The way they must remedy that is by being clinical in front of goal and making the right decisions in the final third.

'I think it always that old cliche that strikers say 'it's not like I'm not getting the chances' so they're going to come.'

The Blues have frontman Brett Pitman, who netted 25 goals in all competitions last term, and winger David Wheeler waiting should Jackett decide to call on them from the start in the coming weeks.

Rooney added: 'Brett Pitman will be grumbling given the fact he's on the bench. He has got a case to make, he scored 25 goals last season and he's a natural finisher.

'As I've said if it goes on a little bit longer and Pompey don't take their chances, yes, but I think it's a bit premature taking lads out of the starting line up.

'David Wheeler, he's been unlucky this season. He scored 20-odd goals for Exeter two seasons ago in League Two. He's got to get his way into the side first.

'Kenny Jackett is not just going to bring him in to score goals, it's about his all-round game and clearly he feels that Jamal Lowe, who has scored six goals so far, and he's got to usurp him first.'