Portsmouth head coach Danny Cowley has backed Marcus Harness to get a full call-up for the Republic of Ireland very soon.

The winger, who joined the Hampshire club in 2019, had a very strong campaign last year playing in all 46 league games, scoring 7 goals and also finished with the highest number of assists within the Blues' camp.

It’s that form that Harness has continued with going into this season too. He’s started in all three of Pompey’s league games so far, netting once whilst also setting up the winning goal against Shrewsbury on Tuesday night.

Harness’ hard work, positive attitude and consistent performances haven’t gone unnoticed by the boss either as Cowley told Hampshire Live, “Someone like Marcus, he has to be in the Irish squad for me,”

He went on to boast about the winger's attributes.

“I look at what he gives us on a consistent basis in terms of scoring goals, in terms of creating goals. The quality he has, which we see on the training pitch day in, day out”, he added.

“I really believe he will be the next one that makes that breakthrough.”

Unfortunately, though, a call-up to the international squad could be now delayed as Harness was forced off with a quad injury at half-time against the Shrews.

The Verdict

Cowley seems to have a gem in the Portsmouth ranks here. A player who seems vibrant, versatile and definitely delivers.

It is fair to question why Harness hasn’t yet received a call-up to the first team after such an impressive past 18-months, a period where the national side have struggled, winning just once since November 2019 in all competitions.

The ROI squad simply lacks quality and looking at the number of players they have who can play in the same position as Harness, he would be a fantastic addition and it’s no wonder Cowley backs his man to make the squad.

It may just take a little bit longer for that call to come, though, if his latest injury proves problematic.