Boss urges Blues to enjoy themselves at Ipswich
Pompey will play the role of underdogs when they travel to Portman Road this weekend.
They take on Championship promotion-contenders Ipswich in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.
But Paul Cook insists that his side will not change their philosophy by turning up with a defensive mindset.
And he revealed that although their main focus is on the league, Pompey are still looking to cause a cup upset.
The Blues boss said: “Ipswich are not really doing much in the Championship at the moment are they!
“Mick McCarthy put together a side that reached the play-offs last season and they’re in the top six again at the moment.
“You underestimate Ipswich at your peril and it’s certainly not something that we’re going to do. We would never dream of that.
“But we’re not going there to get men behind the ball and park the bus – we’ll look to enjoy ourselves.
“We’ll go there and do our best because it’s a fantastic cup competition that we take seriously.
“We can’t get away from the fact that the League Two campaign is our priority this season, but it would be great if we could get through.
“If we do that then it will be exciting for our fans, if we get a draw then we’ll look forward to a replay at Fratton Park and if we go out then we’ll wish Ipswich well and move on.”
Skipper Michael Doyle will be rested for the Ipswich clash, having played with a knee injury for the past few games.
Cook said: “He won’t play – we’re going to give him a break. Michael’s made it through a few games with an injury, but you wouldn’t have known that with his performances.
“This is a perfect opportunity for him to have a rest and freshen up, but apart from that we’ll pick a full-strength side.
“Obviously Matt Clarke can’t play and Christian Burgess is still injured, so we are short in certain areas, although that won’t stop us having a really good go.
“The likelihood is that Adam Barton will go in at the back again, while there will be a chance for one of our central midfielders to impress.”
Watch Leam Richardson’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for extended interviews with the assistant manager and Adam Webster.