Boss looking for positives
Pompey’s pre-season preparations step up a gear on Saturday.
Following five successive victories over non-league sides, they take on to top-flight Bournemouth at Fratton Park (3pm kick-off).
Asmir Begovic and Jermain Defoe will be returning to their former club, with a host of other star players set to feature.
And although it is not a competitive fixture, Kenny Jackett still wants his troops to give their all.
The Blues boss said: “It’s a pre-season that I’ve inherited, but we’re delighted that Bournemouth are bringing a side down.
“It will be my first game at Fratton Park, so even though it’s just a friendly, it’s one I’m looking forward to.
"We put on these matches to work up to Rochdale, so we want to do as well as we can."
“Bournemouth will, I’m sure, be a very stiff test for us, but it’s a great challenge as we build towards a busy August.
“You’re looking for performance and result. We put on these matches to work up to Rochdale, so we want to do as well as we can.
“We also want to give our supporters optimism for the upcoming season and I want us to start off positively. It’s about trying to keep the momentum going that was built up last year.”
With just a fortnight to go until the first league match, Jackett is confident that his squad will be ready.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed working with the players and there’s a lot of excitement about going up to a new level after being in League Two for so long.
“I’m sure the players will be slightly nervous about heading into what is, to some degree, the unknown.
“But I can see that the attitude is definitely there to try to attack and do well in this division.”