by Neil Weld
Pompey have signed free agent David Connolly on a one-month deal subject to Football League approval, while Izale McLeod has left the club by mutual consent.
Striker Connolly, 35, has been without a club since leaving Southampton at the end of last season.
He joins a club struggling near the foot of the League One table, but is excited about the challenge ahead.
“This is an historic club with a great tradition,” said Connolly. “I’m very honoured to become a Portsmouth player.
“I had a couple of offers in August from clubs in the top half of the Championship, but nothing happened for a variety of reasons.
“But I’m delighted to be here now – I consider this a great club and I’m proud to have it on my CV.
“It’s a big challenge, but when I joined Sunderland in 2006 they were fourth bottom of the Championship and we ended up winning the league, so it doesn’t faze me.
“I’ll give it everything I’ve got – as I’m sure all the other players here will. Hopefully I can provide a bit of everything – goals, assists, a bit of hard work.
“If I can play a small part in helping this club recover a bit then that’s fantastic.”
Connolly – who will wear the number nine shirt for the Blues – began his career at Watford before spending time with Dutch club Feyenoord.
He then spent a prolific two years with Wimbledon and had spells with West Ham, Leicester, Wigan and Sunderland before arriving at St Mary’s in 2009.
Connolly has also won 41 caps for the Republic of Ireland, representing his country at the 2002 World Cup.
McLeod, 28, arrived at Fratton Park just before the opening league match of the season and made 27 Blues appearances.
He netted against Bournemouth on his debut and his total of 11 goals included a run of six in the space of just five matches in October.