Hot shot Harness – I can end Pompey’s hunt for number 10
MARCUS Harness believes he is ready to be installed as Pompey’s number 10 permanently.
The 24-year-old was asked to operate behind the recalled Ellis Harrison in Saturday’s trip to Burton Albion.
The outcome was a second career hat-trick as Kenny Jackett’s side claimed a 4-2 success.
A former player for the Brewers, Harness thrived in the role, with Michael Jacobs and Ryan Williams instead serving on the wings.
And he would relish greater opportunity in what has long been a problem position for the Blues.
He told The News: ‘I think I can be effective in that position and I showed that on Saturday.
‘It’s worked at Burton. So, in the future, in games when the gaffer thinks I can be effective there, I would like to play there again.
‘I’m not sure why he put me in for this match, you will have to ask the manager, but I’m happy to play there and I think I can play there.
‘I can play wide as well. As long as I’m in the team then I’m happy and will always do my best.
‘Every game is different. The manager picks [the team according to] whatever opposition we are up against, but I am happy to play there.
‘I might not score three goals every time I play there, but I’ll do my best and hopefully it will go well more than it won’t.’
Pompey had scored one goal from their opening three League
One fixtures heading to the Pirelli Stadium.
However, inspired by Harness, they netted four times to claim a maiden league victory this season.
He added: ‘We have struggled for goals, but had some good parts and obviously not so good parts.
‘It is what it is. It’s football, it’s not going to be perfect every week, so you just have to get on with it and move on to the next game.’
Harness was never in any doubt the Blues would claim a maiden league victory of the season at a wet Pirelli Stadium, despite trailing 2-1 at half time.
He said: ‘We played really well and it was disappointing to concede two goals.
‘But we were always in the game and thankfully didn’t drop off, didn’t crumble under pressure and showed what we could do by coming back.
‘We knew we were playing well. We kept Burton out in the second half and put away our opportunities like we knew we could.
‘Never did we think it wasn’t going to be our day. We were always in the game, we kept doing what we were doing and it worked out.’