Portsmouth should look to keep hold of striker Conor Chaplin. The 21-year-old is known to want a move to a club that will give him regular football.

However, Kenny Jackett can quash this by giving him a starting berth alongside Brett Pitman at Fratton Park this season.

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Chaplin was frustrated to find his appearances for Pompey came in fits and starts last season. Despite scoring five times, he was only afforded 11 starts. Jackett preferred to employ him off the bench, while tending to start Oliver Hawkins as Pitman’s support act. This was despite Chaplin having a more impressive goalscoring record given time played (235 minutes per goal to Hawkins’ 270).

This has been followed up by Chaplin thoroughly applying himself over the summer, despite his stated desire to move on. His four goals make him the club’s pre-season top scorer. This marks another key quality: his professionalism. In spite of his age, he has approached the matter in a mature manner. There can be little doubt that he will approach next season in a similar manner, regardless of where he is playing.

Chaplin is a player of considerable promise. At 21, he needs to secure regular playing time to ensure that his development continues. Should he do so, he will become a fine player. The manner with which he stepped up from League Two to League One suggests he could step up to the Championship with ease. Jackett should ensure that Chaplin makes that step up with Portsmouth.