Boss looks ahead to Morecambe test
The FA Cup run was fun while it lasted, but Paul Cook now has one thing on his mind.
With his side sitting sixth in the League Two table, the focus can now fully switch to a push for promotion.
Mid-table Morecambe are the first club standing in the way, with Pompey visiting the Globe Arena on Tuesday evening.
And Cook is impressed with the job Shrimps boss Jim Bentley has done on a relatively small budget.
The Blues boss said: “The most important thing for us is promotion and making sure this a stronger club for the future.
“We’ve certainly got a team on the pitch that I believe can do that and we’ve got 20 games left to achieve our goal.
“There are plenty of clubs in our league spending money now – even if some make out that they aren’t.
“But Jim has done a fantastic job for Morecambe without always having the ability to go into the transfer market.
“They’re only nine points outside the play-off places and perhaps not even their own supporters will realise how well they’ve done.
“Their home form has been a bit patchy this season, but I’m sure it will be a very difficult game.”
Christian Burgess and Gary Roberts were both substituted just past the hour mark of Pompey’s narrow defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend.
But the withdrawals were precautionary and the duo are available for selection against Morecambe.
Cook said: “Christian was on a yellow and I was trying to save him from getting tired and perhaps being sent off.
“Gary’s played quite a few games lately and I had one eye on Tuesday’s game and also Leyton Orient on Saturday.
“We’re pleased that these lads are getting more minutes because we’re going to need every player we’ve got for the run-in.”
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for extended interviews with the manager and Burgess.