‘Just so single-minded’ – Manager praises Dane Scarlett again after match-winner

Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley has hailed Dane Scarlett after the on-loan Tottenham striker netted his first goal for the club against Port Vale on Saturday.

Heading into the clash at Vale Park, Scarlett had made seven appearances for Pompey without finding the back of the net.

However, Cowley only had positive things to say about Scarlett following his side’s 3-2 defeat to Newport in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday – a game in which the 18-year-old played 63 minutes.

The Portsmouth boss labelled Scarlett’s performance as ‘unplayable’ and insisted that it was only a matter of time before he found the back of the net (Portsmouth).

The 43-year-old’s assessment proved to be right as the Spurs academy graduate opened his account for the season on Saturday as his solitary goal in the 25th minute proved to be the difference between the two sides.

After being played through on goal, Scarlett kept his composure despite being under pressure and lobbed Jack Stevens in the Port Vale goal.

Speaking after the game, Cowley told Portsmouth’s official website: “It’s a really good win against a team who are newly promoted and have made a positive start. It’s a super outcome.

“Dane missed a couple on Tuesday and I didn’t worry at all because he’s just so single-minded and nothing seems to touch him.

“He’s a young boy and it’s his first senior goal and it’ll mean so much more because it sealed a hard-fought win.

“It’ll be the first of many for him and it’s a great day overall, with Marlon Pack playing his 500th league game, which is an outstanding achievement.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Even though Scarlett’s performances had been very encouraging, I am sure the teenager would have felt relieved when he saw the ball hit the back of the net. The strike on Saturday can only help his confidence and I would not be surprised if the floodgates now open for the youngster in front of goal.

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