Midfielder reflects on Blues debut
He has been a familiar face in the Pompey squad during pre-season.
But Amine Linganzi finally got a taste of competitive action in a narrow EFL Cup defeat at Coventry.
Goals from Curtis Main and Kal Naismith could not prevent the League One side from winning 3-2 after extra-time at the Ricoh Arena.
Linganzi admitted that was tough to be out there for an extended period so early in the campaign, but enjoyed the opportunity to impress.
The midfielder said: “I thought it was generally a good game and we worked really hard.
“You don’t often play against sides who line up in 3-4-3 formation, so it wasn’t easy for us.
“Normally I like to be a box-to-box player, but the gaffer told me that this time I had to stay back and protect the defence with Adam May.
“It’s tough to play 120 minutes when you haven’t had much action in pre-season, but I’m a footballer and I have to do my job.
“The good thing is that the club have shown they believe in me and I have to make sure that I play well when they select me on a matchday.
“I hope they’re happy and now I know that I just have to keep working hard to get fitter and fitter.”
Linganzi has signed an initial one-month deal with the Blues, but is hoping that will be extended.
He said: “I need to put the effort in during training and in matches. I need to be aggressive, win the ball and pass it.
“I’m hungry and don’t just want to sit on the bench because Pompey are a top club with great supporters.”