Kenny Jackett has been heaping praise on a Portsmouth player this pre-season, but not a name many would expect.

As reported by the Portsmouth News, it's fringe player Louis Dennis who has caught the manager's eye over the summer. The 26-year-old made just a single League One appearance last season, with five outings in their EFL Trophy run.

He spent four years at Bromley after being released by Dagenham and Redbridge as a youngster but struggled to impress himself on the Pompey setup after his move. That no longer seems to be the case after catching the eye of former Wolves boss Jackett.

"Louis has worked hard in the gym and the biggest difference is physically he is strong," said the Portsmouth boss.

"In the last week-and-a-half, he has trained well and I am looking forward to the games and seeing him against UCD and Havant, that will be a good indication of the test."

Jackett also confirmed he expects the forward to be in the hunt for a first teams spot, something that all members of the squad should aspire to.

"The reason he is here is to get into the first-team, that has to be his aim, and if we're looking at two players per position, everyone is either in the team or one step from it. Louis is no different."

Dennis hit 47 goals in 157 outings for Bromley, 22 of which came in 54 appearances in the 2017/18 season, prompting the Portsmouth move.

The Verdict

Jackett is spot on, what is the point of being part of the squad if the first team isn't your aim? Dennis hasn't settled as quickly as some of their other non-league recruits, the likes of Ollie Hawkins and Jamal Lowe made the first team spots their own.

However, he's only 26-years-old and if he is developing well at Portsmouth then perhaps the route to the first team is open to him. Jackett has proven he'll give players a chance from outside the EFL and despite not being promoted, it has worked for them.

It will be interesting to see how the forward develops this season. Being a wide player as well as a central striker does open up a few roles for him at Fratton Park.