Ben Close was delighted with his first league start of the season.
The midfielder was selected ahead of fellow academy graduate Adam May in the centre of Pompey’s midfield against Fleetwood.
It was certainly a memorable afternoon for the 21-year-old, with the Blues running out 4-1 winners at Fratton Park.
And Close, who previously came off the bench at Wigan and Northampton, was pleased play the full 90 minutes.
He said: “I’d had a couple of substitute appearances in the league already this season, so it was a good feeling to finally start a game.
“Some players will get their chance earlier than others and everyone has to be patient at some point in their career.
"We’re all professional in the team and we all want to start.
“So I waited for my opportunity in the team and just had to make sure I was ready to take it when it came along.
“There are two spots in that central midfield area and at the moment Stuart O’Keefe has the other one.
“I got the call this time and I’m delighted with that. We’re all professional in the team and we all want to start.”
Brett Pitman and Jamal Lowe both bagged a brace to see off Fleetwood and ensure Pompey climbed into the top half of the League One table.
Close said: “I’m delighted that we were able to get the three points and we eventually found the right balance in our performance.
“We looked solid at the back and then we were able to break Fleetwood down and get that important first goal.
“It was disappointing to concede so early in the second half, but we reacted brilliantly as a team and in the end it was a comfortable finish.”