Milan Lalkovic is one of several Pompey players who are straining at the leash.
And Kenny Jackett is set to give many of them a chance to impress at Charlton in the Checkatrade Trophy this evening.
The Blues go into their final group stage fixture on the back of four successive defeats against Doncaster, Blackburn, Bradford and Luton.
And with a trip to Blackpool in the league to come on Saturday, Lalkovic is eager for a return to winning ways.
The winger said: “Hopefully I can play and the team can do well because we’ve lost four games on the bounce now.
“It doesn’t matter what game you play in and in what competition – it’s always nice to get a positive result.
"Everybody has up and down periods in football – including bigger sides than us.
“If we do that then we can build on that and move on to our league match on Saturday with some more confidence.
“We’re always a positive squad and I’m sure we’ll be fine because everybody has up and down periods in football – including bigger sides than us.
“The important thing is how you react and the manager has been telling us to keep going. If I get a chance then I’ll do my best to impress.”
Injuries have restricted Lalkovic to just one appearance so far this season, but he is not letting that keep him down.
The Slovakian said: “I feel okay now, although sometimes the Achilles can still get a bit sore, so I’m keeping on top of that.
“I’m just working with the physios and looking after it. It’s a bit annoying, but you have to accept that and get on with it.”