‘One goal can change things for Marquis’

JOHN MARQUIS has been tasked with keeping a lid on his frustrations as he aims to end his barren goal run.

The man challenged with getting the goals to fire

Pompey in the Championship goes to Burton Albion this weekend aiming to end a run of five games without a goal.

It’s also just a single finish in 12 matches since bagging against MK Dons in February for Marquis.

There’s been signs of consternation from the 28-year-old towards teammates during games, and that is something Jackett is wary of.

But he doesn’t want to take the edge off the striker’s game as he aims to improve his goal record.

Jackett said: ‘There’s some frustration in players, that’s something we need to control, definitely.

‘But we want them to show some passion and commitment as well.

‘There is some frustration then if we go a few games and we haven’t got a goal.

‘As a centre forward, you want to get off and running – and work hard at trying to do that.

‘Morale is important, I do think that in terms of having the right morale and being able to bounce back.

‘But John will just want to break his duck and get off and running.

‘When we’ve done well in games we want to be putting those chances away and having an incisive edge.’

Jackett believes Rochdale offered Marquis the best chance of a return so far this season, with the former Doncaster man acknowledging he should have taken the chances which came his way.

The Pompey boss had praise for Marquis’ work-rate this season and his contribution to the team, however, as he aims to get on a run like the ninegoal return in 13 at the start of the year.

Jackett added: ‘In terms of chances, Rochdale were the ones where he would have been looking for that finish.

‘He’s an experienced player and he will be wanting to get off the mark like every forward would.

‘For John, he needs to keep the work-rate high and then the goals and chances will come. He’s experienced enough to know he has to keep going. One goal can change things for him.’