The Pompey Chimes

 Loan striker believes Agyemang and Connolly can help him improve

John Marquis knows that it will not be easy to break into the Blues side.

The striker will have to get past Patrick Agyemang and top scorer David Connolly if he wants to lead the line for Pompey.

Marquis was an unused substitute in last week’s home defeat to Fleetwood, which took place just a couple of days after he arrived on loan from Millwall.

But the 21-year-old believes he has something fresh to add to the Blues’ attacking options.

“Patrick and David have played at a high level for a long time and are both very good players,” said Marquis. “They’re probably the best front two in the division.

“I’m younger and am still learning, but they’re two great players to learn from.

“I think I can add something a bit different to the side and hopefully I can force my way in.

“I can run in behind and hold the ball up. I’m good in the air and can finish – I’m an all-round kind of striker.

“Hopefully I can get a run of games in the side so I can feel sharp and get some form back.”

Pompey drew a blank against Fleetwood (match report), but Marquis believes that will be a rare occurrence.

He said: “I had a look before I came here and saw that Pompey have scored a lot of goals this season.

“That tells me that there will be people here who can create chances, as well as others who can put them away.

“We didn’t manage to score last week, but I don’t think that will happen too many times this season with the players we’ve got here.”

Pompey are unbeaten on their league travels this season and Marquis hopes that run will continue at Bootham Crescent on Saturday.

He said: “The away results have been good and hopefully we can go up to York this weekend and get a result. (match report)    Read more at http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/news/article/marquis-willing-to-learn-1081467.aspx#xjKL3xzpX2wYGQWK.99

John Marquis has told Pompey: I’m here to win a starting spot.

by Steve Wilson  of the News Sept 27, 2013

The on-loan striker was an unused substitute against Fleetwood last weekend, just 48 hours after his arrival from Millwall.

But after a week of training alongside his new team-mates, the 21-year-old is pressing for selection for the trip to York’s Bootham Crescent – despite the presence of David Connolly and Patrick Agyemang.

Marquis said: ‘As soon as I found out Portsmouth were interested, I wanted to come.

‘But I came on loan to play games. I need to play.

‘Everyone in football wants to be playing every week and it’s been frustrating at times this season at Millwall.

‘I’ve only made one substitute appearance.

‘It’s a hard game like that and sometimes you’ve got to bide your time but you can only do it for so long before you need to go and play.

‘I know it’s hard here with Patrick and Dave doing so well at the start of the season.

‘But I’m sure as soon as I get some minutes on the pitch, I will be able to show what I’m worth.

‘I definitely think I can score goals in this division.

‘It’s just about playing games.

‘I back my ability when I am in the team regularly to score goals and create goals.’

Marquis was overlooked for an appearance from the bench last weekend as Tom Craddock was preferred by Blues boss Guy Whittingham.

But having understood the reasons, Marquis believes he is better prepared for tomorrow’s game.

He said: ‘I only trained on the Friday so I didn’t know everyone’s name.

‘The manager told me Tom had been doing well in training and it was what I expected in my first game.

‘Maybe if we were a couple of goals ahead, he might have chucked me on for a bit.

‘But I feel more settled this week.

‘I know the boys a lot better, I’ve seen how they play and know what they’re good at.’