Appleton: Hungarian still hasn't launched his missile shot

Appleton believes Blues supporters have yet to witness Marko Futacs’ Exocet shot at full power.

The Hungarian’s two goals in two starts over the Christmas period have spoken of his promise.

The 21-year-old blasted in a strike against Leicester and there was another taste of his force as he crashed a shot off the bar in the clash with Watford, after heading Pompey in front.

Appleton insisted the Hungarian Hammer hasn’t hit a ball in a game as powerfully as he can, though.

He said: ‘I keep waiting for him to unleash one of those shots.

‘One of his biggest strengths is his striking of the ball. He hits a sweet shot.

‘I think he tried to feel that one around the keeper more against Watford when it hit the bar. When he hits it, it stays hit.

‘When he does that you won’t be able to find the ball because it’ll break the net.’

With two promising starts creating excitement about Futacs’ talent, Appleton insisted he and his staff now have to keep the Hungarian grounded.

Appleton said: ‘I’m delighted with his performances.

‘It’s just up to me and the staff to manage him properly.

‘We don’t want to let him get too carried away and want him to keep doing the stuff he’s doing at the minute.

‘I’ve been asking for him to play in more central areas and be more of a target man.

‘He’s dangerous because he’s such a big, strong boy.

‘When defenders get too tight to him he ends up wriggling and pinning them.

‘His hold-up play is getting better and better as well.’