Boss looking forward to Stoke test
The victory over Peterborough earlier this month was the first time in almost 15 years that Pompey have knocked a higher-ranked side out of a cup competition.
But the Blues will be aiming to cause an even bigger shock at Stoke on Wednesday.
They travel to the Britannia Stadium to face Mark Hughes’ Premier League outfit in the second round of the Capital One Cup.
And Andy Awford is looking forward to the opportunity for Pompey to test themselves against top quality opposition.
The Blues boss said: “Stoke are a well-established Premier League side with a top manager, top players and fans who are nearly as passionate as our lot.
“It’s a great game for us to go and play in, although I have no idea what team they’ll field.
“Mark has got an abundance of riches to choose from, so he might bring in some of the fringe members of his squad.
“Whoever he chooses, they’re still Premier League players and that’s the level we’re up against.
“To beat Peterborough in the first round was a scalp, but it will be an even bigger surprise if we get something at Stoke.
“But we’ll just go about our business, give it everything we’ve got and try to get another positive result.”
Former Pompey stars Asmir Begovic, Marc Wilson and Peter Crouch could all line up for the opposition.
Awford said: “In my last ever game at QPR, Crouchie was on the opposite side. I’ve known him for years and he’s such a nice guy.
“He’s had a great career and obviously did a really good job in both his spells with us.
“Asmir and Marc were young players coming through when I was here as reserve team boss and have done really well.
“There are another couple of young guys there – Elliot Wheeler and Alex Grant – who we had to let go a couple of years ago for financial reasons.
“So there are plenty of familiar faces there and I’m looking forward to seeing them all.”