There was plenty of ability showcased by Pompey’s midfielders in the opening few weeks of the season.
But the addition of Stuart O’Keefe means they now also have someone who is not afraid of a scrap.
The 26-year-old arrived at Fratton Park on transfer deadline day in a season-long loan switch from Cardiff.
And he believes his experience can help Ben Close and Adam May build on their promising starts to the campaign.
O’Keefe said: “It’s quite a young group and there are a lot of tough games, so I think I was brought in to add some bite in the middle of the park.
“Hopefully that can make a difference. I don’t mind that side of the game and I do think that it’s needed.
"I think I was brought in to add some bite in the middle of the park."
“A lot of fixtures seem to be quite close at this level and so I think you need that little edge on a matchday.
“People have spoken about Michael Doyle previously being that driving force in midfield, so I’m happy to take that role and push this promising team up the table.
“I’ve been in those young players’ shoes at Crystal Palace and it can make a massive difference to have someone with a bit of know-how beside you.
“But I think that Adam and Ben have both been excellent from what I’ve seen of the pair of them so far.”
O’Keefe has been involved in two victories and two defeats since arriving on the south coast and is hoping for a positive result when Pompey travel to Scunthorpe this weekend.
He said: “I’ve been here for three weeks and I’m starting to get settled in now. I know all the players better.
“We’ve had two good results and a couple that have been not so good, but overall it’s been quite pleasing how we’ve played.
“Scunthorpe away is always going to be tough, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and will be trying to come away with a positive result.”