Burgess confident Pompey can adapt to League One
Christian Burgess is looking forward to finding his rhythm again.
The centre-back played a starring role in Pompey’s impressive surge to the League Two title last term.
And now the Blues will have to rise to the challenge of competing at a higher standard every week.
But, ahead of Saturday’s opening game against Rochdale, Burgess is confident that they will quickly find their feet.
He said: “We’re just keen to get out on the pitch now – that’s when the nerves settle and we’re at our most confident.
“You get into a rhythm when you’re playing and it’s been a while since we’ve been out there in front of a packed house.
"We’re just keen to get out on the pitch now – that’s when the nerves settle."
“I’m sure we’ll settle quickly, though, because that’s our job and we’re professional. We’re looking forward to putting in a good performance.
“We’ve been working hard all pre-season and should be able to execute what the manager wants us to do.
“If you’re good at what you do then you can perform to a high standard. We want to play good football and open up teams.”
Player of the Season Enda Stevens departed over the summer, but Burgess is confident that Tareiq Holmes-Dennis will be a worthy replacement.
He said: “Tareiq’s certainly impressed me with his performances and so it will be exciting to see how he does. I think the crowd will warm to him early.
“I thought it might be impossible to fill Enda’s shoes, but if anyone can do it then it’s him.”