The most prolific season of his career - but Portsmouth's Marcus Harness is gunning for more

The forward registered nine goals in 37 appearances during his maiden Fratton Park campaign.

Before arriving from Burton last summer, the 24-year-old had netted eight times in his entire senior career.

Only Ronan Curtis, John Marquis and Ellis Harrison hit the target for Pompey more than Harness last term.

Now the goal touch has been established, he’s confident of making an even better scoring contribution in the forthcoming League One campaign.

Harness told The News: ‘It was my best season for goals. I felt I was finally finding my feet and know I have a lot more in me.

‘It just comes with confidence. I am feeling confident and hopefully this season can do even better – I’m sure I will.

‘When you’re a young lad coming through, it takes a while to prove to yourself that you can do it at this level. I have definitely done that now,

‘I know what I can do, I know whenever I play I will create and score. It’s something I expect to continue this season.

‘Joe (Gallen) has been telling me I need to try to score more sitters to add to the tally, but that’s something which will come. I guess I can score all types of goals.

‘I have got a few targets, but won’t say too much. I don’t want to jinx myself by telling everyone.

‘I have high hopes this year, personally and for the team, so hopefully we can all have a good season.’

Harness made 27 starts – the same as Ryan Williams – as they shared right-wing duties last season.

However, both started the play-off semi-final second-leg loss at Oxford United.

In the process, Harness scored from the number 10 role, while Williams was crowned the man of the match.

Harness added: ‘I didn’t play as much as I would have liked, but that can improve this year and hopefully I can push my way in.

‘I have grown as a person from moving down here and grown as a player.

‘I think I had an all right first season, but I’m looking to do a lot better in my time here.’

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