He enjoyed a successful start to the current campaign.
And now Adam May is determined to win back his place Pompey's midfield following a spell out of the side.
After missing the opening day clash with Rochdale, the teenager then appeared in eight successive matches.
But he has failed to feature in the past four fixtures and hopes that tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy clash with Crawley will give him a chance to impress.
May said: “I’m trying to get back into the first team now because it’s been a little while since I played and this is a chance to show what I can do.
“I was disappointed to not be involved for the last few games, but that’s football and I’ve just been working hard on the training ground.
"The manager gives me a lot of confidence and has helped me a lot."
“You have to deal with frustration sometimes and we’ve got a very talented squad here, so you’ve just got to keep your head down.
“The manager gives me a lot of confidence and has helped me a lot. He knows the importance of young players.
“It’s always positive when a new one comes in at the start of the season and gives you a chance in the team.”
Pompey’s second group stage match in the Checkatrade Trophy sees them take on a Crawley side sitting 20th in the fourth tier.
May said: “Hopefully we can get a win in this competition to take into our next league game because that’s the most important thing for us.
“Crawley are in the league below us, but we played them in pre-season and know they’ll give us a good test.”