Stevens on combining attack with defence
Enda Stevens is enjoying the chance to make an impression at both ends of the pitch.
He and fellow full-back Ben Davies have been encouraged by Blues boss Paul Cook to get forward whenever possible.
But Stevens knows that the pair cannot get carried away with their attacking freedom.
And the 25-year-old points to last month’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Morecambe as an example of where they need to improve.
He said: “You want to take any chance you get to attack, although you can’t forget that you’re also a defender.
“It’s great that the manager gives us that licence to go forward and we’ve just got to remember what our responsibilities are.
“Against Morecambe we got caught too far up the pitch and were punished for that. I think we’ve learnt from that.
“Plus there’s Brandon Haunstrup, who played in the two cup games against top opposition and has fitted in well, so he’s knocking on the door and it’s up to me to keep my spot.”
Pompey are unbeaten in League Two this season, but have drawn their past two home games ahead of this weekend’s Fratton clash with Barnet.
Stevens said: “We need to get that intensity back that we showed against Dagenham on the opening day.
“It’s early in the season and we’re just focusing on each game as it comes – starting with a tough one against Barnet this Saturday.
“We’ll do everything we can do to win the match and hopefully we’ll end up with a positive result.
“But we need to stay patient and not get too frustrated if things don’t immediately go our way.”
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