The league might be Pompey’s number one priority.
But Brandon Haunstrup knows that the Carabao Cup could give him an invaluable opportunity to impress Kenny Jackett.
The academy graduate has not featured in a competitive first team game since last season’s Checkatrade Trophy draw with Reading in October.
However, an injury to Tareiq Holmes-Dennis has opened up a left-back slot in the Blues side at Cardiff on Tuesday evening.
And Haunstrup hopes Pompey can cause an upset in South Wales to prolong their stay in the competition.
He said: “I’ve had a good pre-season and I feel strong, so I’d relish the opportunity to feature against Cardiff if I’m picked.
"I’ve just got to try my best to do a good job and then hopefully that will leave a positive impression on the manager."
“Tareiq picked up a bit of an injury against Rochdale on Saturday, but I’ve always been ready to play if needed.
“I’ve just got to try my best to do a good job and then hopefully that will leave a positive impression on the manager.
“For all the fringe players you want to try to stay in these competitions for as long as possible because these are games when you’ll get a chance.
“It’s a competitive match against very good opposition – Cardiff are a top Championship side.
“The atmosphere for my debut against Derby in this competition a couple of years ago was unbelievable, so these are games you want to be involved in.
“You went to test yourself against decent opposition and in big stadiums – it’s one of the reasons why you become a footballer.”