'Don't write off Bishop despite struggles'

In the second half of last season, Colby Bishop was one of the best strikers in the Championship.

His nine goals from 1 January onwards put him near the top of the scoring charts for that period whilst playing for a side battling against relegation.

This after consecutive seasons of reaching 20 goals in League One and a remarkable comeback from heart surgery which could easily have ended his career.

In some ways a drop-off this season isn't out of the ordinary. It's rare for a forward to have four seasons in a row playing at a high level, but it has been an issue for Pompey.

Just two league goals in total is a disappointing return. He still provides a focal point for Pompey's attack and works selflessly putting centre-backs under pressure. He also takes a physical battering for his efforts, the lone striker role can be a thankless one.

He has missed Josh Murphy as much as anyone. His only Championship goal from open play was a brilliant header from an outstanding Murphy cross. Any centre forward would love to have Murphy on the flank.

It's not as if Bishop keeps missing chances. Pompey are not a free-scoring team and Bishop is usually marked by two or three defenders. But ideally you'd have more threat on goal from your main marksman.

It was a gamble not to bring in a senior striker last summer. Given Bishop's form and fitness record it was an understandable one. Makenzie Kirk is one for the future.

What about January? Well Portsmouth made a bid of around £1.5million for an EFL striker, which they believed would be accepted, only for the price to then be significantly increased.

They did sign Jacob Brown, but he's a different profile of forward to Bishop and can also play on the wing.

Striker wasn't the only position Pompey had to worry about. They also desperately needed a central midfielder and new wingers. Those positions were significantly strengthened with Ebou Adams and Millie Alli both making an impact.

Should they have sacrificed one of those additions for another forward? Adams and Alli are both significant reasons behind Pompey's improvement.

Last summer in the Championship West Brom bought Aune Heggebo and Watford (via sister club Udinese) signed Luca Kjerrumgaard. Reported fees are not always precise but both were suggested to be around £4.5million. They have scored nine goals each. A new striker is likely to be sought in the summer but they won't come cheaply.

Don't write off Colby Bishop. You don't reach the Championship from Leamington in the National League North, let alone recover from serious heart surgery, without having some serious determination and mental strength.

Pompey need more from their number nine role than they are currently getting, and he's had a disappointing season, but he's only 29... the Bishop of previous seasons could yet return.