Portsmouth undoubtedly have ambitions of promotion once again this season after last season's effort fell short in the play-off semi-finals.

Pompey lost out to eventual runners-up Plymouth over two legs and they were left cursing what could have been as inconsistency blighted their automatic promotion prospects.

There is a lot of talent on display at Fratton Park from the solid base provided by goalkeeper David Forde and defenders Christian Burgess and Matt Clarke to the talented midfield ranks including Carl Baker, Gary Roberts and Kyle Bennett.

Portsmouth also have some very capable strikers in Michael Smith, Curtis Main and Conor Chaplin.

But once again this season, they have been held back by their inability to perform consistently and this means they currently sit five points behind the automatic spots.

Pompey have a proud academy though and are producing plenty of young talent.

Here are three attacking starlets who are bound to be household names in the near future if not this season.

Matt Mayes

Academy member Matt Mayes is making waves in the youth systems at Portsmouth and it can't be too long before Paul Cook considers giving him a go in the first team.

The young striker has been a consistent goalscorer for Pompey's academy all year and has netted 4 in his last 3 games.

The 16-year-old is a natural finisher and he has scored with his head, both feet and even netted an impressive long-range volley which was nominated for October goal of the month.

Ben Tollitt

Young winger Ben Tollitt was sent off on loan to Tranmere earlier this season after scoring for the reserves and playing two senior games for Pompey - in the EFL Cup and the EFL Trophy.

The 21-year-old has since made 8 appearances for National League outfit Tranmere Rovers, scoring 2 goals and providing a constant threat down the flanks.

After joining on an initial one month loan, Tollitt will now stay with the Rovers until mid-December but he could return to Fratton Park to play a part later in the season.

Conor Chaplin

Portsmouth fans were crying out for Conor Chaplin to start more games last year and he finally looks to have nailed himself down as first choice striker at Fratton Park.

The 19-year-old has five league goals this season for Pompey and is improving game by game.

The diminutive striker had a knack of scoring goals from the bench last year and he looks to be one for the future at Portsmouth.

 

Portsmouth fans - do you agree? how good are these 3 youngsters? Let us know in the comments below...